How Bennett Jackson Fits with the New York Giants

With their final pick (Round 6, No. 187 overall) in the 2014 NFL draft, the New York Giants selected…no, not a tight end, but a cornerback.

That would be Notre Dame’s Bennett Jackson (6’0”, 195 lbs), who is a converted receiver.

Jackson will join an already crowded cornerback field that includes projected starters Prince Amukamara and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and reserves Walter Thurmond III, Trumaine McBride, Zack Bowman and Charles James.

Upon closer inspection, the Giants might not be looking at Jackson as a cornerback. NFL Draft Scout has noted several concerns about Jackson’s game, including balance, allowing too much of a cushion, improper use of hands and inconsistency with catching interceptions that come his way.

If Jackson is to make this team, it will be via special teams, where he acquired a wealth of experience as a freshman and sophomore, though general manager Jerry Reese wasn't so quick to dismiss the idea that Jackson might be able to contribute something at cornerback.

"We think he has some upside, has some intangibles that we like, (such as) height, weight, speed," Reese told reporters. "He’s our kind of guy, he’s a captain, a leader, going to play on all of your special teams while he’s developing into a corner."

Giants' Vice President of Player Evaluation Marc Ross agreed with Reese's assessment that Jackson has upside as a cornerback down the road.

"These big corners that have been taken that can run and you work with, you hit on. making their way on teams for a couple years and then you got a player," he said.

Patricia Traina is the senior editor for Inside Football. All quotes and information obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow me on Twitter, @Patricia_Traina.