The New York Giants had cornerbacks on their shopping list this weekend at the 2022 NFL draft and added one to their cart on Friday night when they selected LSU’s Cordale Flott with the 81st pick in Round 3.
Flott was a late riser in the draft process. Scouts who were doing their due diligence on teammate Derek Stingley Jr. likely stumbled upon Flott, who was every bit a huge part of the Tigers’ defensive backfield.
The Giants had their eye on Flott for some time and his selection is not a surprise. What is surprising is how early they took him.
General manager Joe Schoen was taking no chances. He liked Flott’s flexibility and competitiveness on big stage.
“I think position one, ideally, he’s inside, but he can play inside and outside. He has height, and he does have length,” Schoen told reporters on Friday. “And again, the kid is 20 years old. I believe he turns 21 in August or September. I think it’s August. So still young, still developing. Three-year guy at LSU that played in a really talented backfield and a good conference. We’re excited. He’s got really good movement skills to play inside, but with the size and length, can play outside as well.”
Flott feels he is a match for defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s scheme.
“I’m very comfortable in that scheme,” Flott said. “Coming to LSU, that’s one of the main things we’re known for and that’s one of the things you know you’re going to do when you first commit to come and play DB there. I’m very comfortable with man-to-man coverage, so I’m excited.”
Flott’s size has been questioned. He’s tall, at nearly 6-foot-1, but he’s only carrying 175 pounds on that frame. Many believe he could be bullied at the NFL level if he doesn’t bulk up a bit.
That’s a job for the Giants’ strength and conditioning staff to figure out. Right now, Flott is concentrating on how he can help his new team get better.
“I’m very confident,” he said. “That’s one thing I feel as far as versatility-wise, coming to this program, this organization, I focus more on what’s going to be needed and what areas I’m going to be able to improve and help contribute to the team.”
