New York Giants Select CB Jayron Hosley in 3rd Round

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With the 94^th overall pick, 31^st of the 3^rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected Cornerback, Jayron Hosley out of Virginia Tech University.  For the second time in three rounds, the Giants dipped into Virginia Tech to draft their prospect.  Hosley will join teammate David Wilson on the Giants.

Hosley is 5’10” tall and weighs 178 pounds.  Hosley was very productive in 2010 as a sophomore, leading the nation with nine interceptions.  He saw his production dip in his junior season though, accruing only three interceptions this past season.  One possible reason for this Tom Coughlin believes is that quarterbacks were afraid to throw in his direction. 

The Giants liked the intangibles that Hosley brings to the table and the way he plays.  The 5’10” cornerback is very physical and athletic.  One thing that sticks out is his speed as Hosley ran a 4.43 40 yard dash at the combine.  Another thing the Giants covet is his ability to return punts.  Hosley finished 11^th in the country in yards per punt return with a 12.67 average.  Punt returns were a weakness for the Giants last season, so any additions that will help there are welcomed additions.

The one negative for Hosley was that he did fail a drug test at the combine in February.  “He did fail the test in Indianapolis,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin.  “Were very much aware of that and we’ve addressed that with him and we’re prepared to address that professionally as well when we do get him here.”  He also had to deal with concussion and hamstring issues last season, but the Giants medical staff cleared him and given him the okay.

“I definitely regret it,” said Hosley.  “But it’s something that’s in the pat and behind me.  I’m working toward bettering myself and not letting something like this happen again ever.  They trusted me and I’m thankful for that and I want to make this a worthy decision.”  Hosley is very thankful for the opportunity the Giants are going to give him and also for the chance to continue on his football career with his Virginia Tech teammate and roommate David Wilson.

Hosley will be joining what currently is a very crowded Giants secondary.  But he will not be short on opportunities to make an impact this season.  He will compete to be a nickel back this season and could also be the starting punt return man.  Hosley also has to be prepared for extended playing time because of all the players coming back from injury that the Giants intend to use.  You never know how players are going to respond after being out for such a long period of time so it is always nice having capable players to step in if need be. 

GM Jerry Reese and the Giants brass are very happy to have Hosley as part of the squad.  “He is not a big man but this guy has athletic arrogance and plays like a big guy,” Reese said.  “He kind of reminds me of Adam “Pac-Man” Jones, he plays kind of like that.  He runs like a little linebacker.  He has outstanding cover skills.  We expect him to be in our nickel package and bonus is he returns punts and kicks.  He has a lot of good qualities that we like. 

“Pacman Jones is a tremendous player, minus the off-field stuff,” Hosley started in response.  “But he’s a tremendous player.  When you watch him on film he’s very sound in his technique.  He’s aggressive, a smaller guy like me.  I kind of favor that.  I think that’s a good comparison.  I like to compare myself to Asante Samuel, Pacman and Brandon Flowers.  But I think that’s a very good comparison.”