New York Giants

Giants use Day 3 of draft to hit needs, especially defense

Published Apr. 27, 2019 6:23 p.m. ET

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants continued rebuilding their much-maligned defense on the third day of the NFL draft, found a deep threat wide receiver to stretch the field after the trade of Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns and found a great feel-good story.

General manager Dave Gettleman had six picks on the final day of the draft, and kicked it off by taking Notre Dame cornerback Julian Love in the fourth round.

The Giants were ranked 24th in defense last season, giving up an average of 371.4 yards. They had 30 sacks, tied for the second fewest in the league.

Wisconsin inside linebacker Ryan Connelly was the first of two fifth-round picks, followed by Auburn wide receiver and sprinter Darius Slayton. New York grabbed another speedster in the sixth round, taking Washburn cornerback and return man Corey Ballentine.

The Giants (5-11) wrapped up the draft, picking Kentucky tackle George Asafo-adjei and Syracuse defensive tackle Chris Slayton in the seventh round.

Asafo-adjei was the feel-good story. He was born in New York City and raised by a single mother who worked three jobs. He didn't get a chance to meet his sister until he was 14 years old because she was living in Ghana and the family could not get her to the United States.