The New York Giants have a problem. Many of their first-round picks in the Joe Schoen era have not panned out. While offensive lineman Evan Neal is arguably the worst of the bunch, cornerback Deonte Banks isn't too far behind.
Banks' struggles as a starting cornerback pushed New York into a difficult situation this offseason. If they let the Maryland product continue to struggle, they could derail their 2025 season before it began.
That's why the G-Men chose a different route in free agency. The signing of former New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo was one of the bigger steals in free agency this offseason.
So much so that CBS Sports analyst Cody Benjamin labeled Adeboas their biggest offseason signing and one who can make an immediate impact.
"The G-Men will ultimately sink or swim depending on what Brian Daboll can squeeze out of Joe Schoen's entirely rebooted quarterback room," Benjamin said. "For now, Adebo looks like the best bet to make an immediate impact as a proven ballhawk at cornerback."
Adebo's coverage skills are exceptional. He's excellent in man coverage and has made life miserable for some of the best receivers in the NFC East.
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, CeeDee Lamb, and Terry McLaurin are just some of the top receivers Adebo will be against in 2025.
If he can find a way to shut those Pro Bowl-caliber receivers down quietly, it could help the Giants' defense in more ways than one. While rookie draft picks like Abdul Carter are fun (and key) additions, the more important one from this offseason may be the veteran cornerback.