The New York Giants have selected Washburn defensive back Corey Ballentine with the 180th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
After briefly breaking their run on defenders, the Giants returned to the well at No. 180 overall by selecting Ballentine.
Ballentine is the latest in a long line of defensive backs brought in by the Giants, who have taken several others throughout the draft, including first rounder Deandre Baker.
Background
Ballentine began his athletic career in track & field where he helped his High School team to a second-place finish at state as a junior (4×400) and a state title (4×100) his senior year. He played football for two years, which prevented him from being heavily recruited.
He committed to Washburn in 2015, joining their track team as well. However, on the football field, Ballentine appeared in 44 games, recording 173 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 20 passes defensed and two interceptions.
Physical Traits and Stats
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 196
Arms: 31 5/8”
Hands: 9 1/2”
40-yard: 4.47
3-Cone: 6.82
Shuttle: 4.14
Bench Reps: 15
Broad Jump: 135.0
High School: Shawnee Heights (KS)
How does Ballentine fit in with the Giants?
Ballentine, although he comes from a small school, does not lack the athleticism, speed and versatility to make it at the NFL level. Quite the contrary.
He tends to be a better man-on defender than he would be in a zone, but that’s an adjustment he can make at the professional level. In the interim, his elite athleticism will be enough to carry him along.
In addition to his ability to play both cornerback and safety, Ballentine’s speed makes him an ideal candidate for the Giants’ special teams unit.
