With the 30th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected cornerback Deandre Baker of Georgia. Here are five things to know about the new Giant:
1. Baker was the 2018 winner of the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's top defensive back. He was also a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's top defender.
2. He started all 13 games last season and recorded 40 total stops, two interceptions (team high) and 10 pass breakups (team high), two tackles for lost yardage, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
3. NFL.com scouting report: Consistency and competitiveness are his hallmarks. No touchdowns allowed with five interceptions since 2017. Confident in press coverage. Crowds release-acceleration to slow route-timing. Has quick trigger to turn and sprint when needed. Foot quickness to stay tied to early phase of routes. Dials into opponents' route speed and stays in-phase. Good feel for timing of route breaks for effective matching. Excellent field awareness and in constant state of communication with teammates. Loves to squat and lurk on underneath route from off-man. Impressive burst to close. Plays the edges to challenge throws. Good timing on jump balls. Aggressive and accurate swipes at the catch point. Willing and able as open-field tackler.
4. Measurables: Height – 5-11; Weight – 193 lbs.; Arms – 32"; Hands – 9"; 40-yard dash – 4.52 sec.; Bench press – 14 reps; Broad jump – 118"
5. He was a Second-Team All-SEC selection as a junior in 2017, finishing the season with 44 total stops. He led the Bulldogs in pass breakups with nine, including three vs. South Carolina, and was also second on team with three interceptions. His final pick of the year came vs. Alabama in CFP Championship Game.
