Jayron

Hosley

Pauline had Hosley at 4.47 in the forty -- he was “unofficially” clocked as fast as 4.38 -- and the time was particularly important because Virginia Tech corners have a relatively long history of running somewhat slowly in Indy. Hosley can fly, and racked up 13 interceptions during his final two college seasons. Writes Pauline, “He’s the most underrated cornerback in the 2012 class.”

Coughlin calls Hosley “feisty,” and a “physical tackler.” He also says the Giants have addressed Hosley’s failed drug test at the Combine. “We’ve addressed that with him and we’re prepared to address that professionally as well.” Hosley may seem limited snaps in nickel/dime roles as a rookie, but should contribute in the return game.

After leading the NCAA with nine interceptions as a sophomore, Hosley declared for the draft following a disappointing, injury-marred junior season. He helped solidify his stock with a strong Combine, but then severely dinged it by failing the Combine drug test. Nevertheless, Hosley boasts elite athleticism, and is a steal this late in the proceedings. Hosley may not see many snaps in the Giants’ crowded secondary as a rookie, but a dangerous punt returner, he should contribute on special teams.

After starting the 2011 season as a consensus first-rounder, Burfict’s past few months have seen a perfect storm of factors sending him toward undrafted free agent territory. Burfict is littered with red flags, from his on-field play to drugs, entitlement, questionable effort, and misplaced priorities. Hosley was a projected second- or third-round pick before the positive test.

A physical corner with top-notch ball skills, Hosley may help the Giants immediately in sub-packages. Initially considered a second-round talent, Hosley slid in the draft after concussion issues in 2011, a failed drug test at the Combine, and a decline in interceptions. The Giants believe the latter was due to teams throwing away from him.

Hosley has some of the best ball skills in the draft, and he certainly can run. A sleeper to be drafted late in the first round, Hosley is considered versatile enough to play both zone and man. He needs work in the weight room, however. Hosley weighs in the 170s and did only 11 reps on the bench.

It’s believed Hosley received a second-round grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board. Listed at 5-foot-10, 171, Hosley is going to have to show up to the Combine bigger than that to solidify a day-two selection. Hosley was a second-team All-ACC pick as a junior, picking off a Hokies-high four passes. Hosley led the NCAA with nine interceptions as a sophomore.

He left in a protective boot and is undergoing tests on Sunday. Hosley has really come on in training camp and preseason, pick-sixing Mark Sanchez Saturday for a 77-yard touchdown. ESPN New York confirms Hosley has been among the Giants’ top five corners, and was pushing for slot duties as well as punt returns.

Hosley was a full participant in Monday’s practice. The third-round rookie is expected to act as the primary nickel corner this season, but may see a bigger boost in snaps Week 1 thanks to Prince Amukamara’s ankle sprain.

Sidelined since New York’s second preseason game, Hosley backpedaled and cut on Monday. His health has taken on increased importance in the absence of RCB Prince Amukamara (high-ankle sprain). Bruce Johnson may start in Amukamara’s place against Dallas, but Hosley could see heavy snaps in his NFL debut.