Colton Hood Explains Approach to Giants' CB Battle

The New York Giants' No. 2 cornerback spot is there for Colton Hood to grab. But he's trying not to let it stress him too much.

The rookie cornerback spoke about his ongoing competition against Deonte Banks and veteran Greg Newsome II and addressed why he's not concerning himself with the depth chart just yet.

Hood was the Giants' second-round pick (No. 37) and is perceived as the cornerback of the future. Newsome is on a one-year contract, and Banks is in the final year of his rookie deal after the Giants didn't exercise his fifth-year option.

Colton Hood is Focused on 'Doing His Job'

According to ESPN, Hood is currently No. 1 cornerback Paulson Adebo's backup, but he is also battling Banks and Newsome for the starting role.

If Hood wins the job, Newsome could end up being released, though the veteran could also fill in for Dru Phillips at slot cornerback, since Phillips is battling a knee injury.

But that's all out of Hood's control. Right now, he's saying all the right things about earning his starting spot.

"I don't really wonder about [the competition]," Hood said Friday. "I'm just going to take it day-by-day. Just keep going, and being the best version of myself. When it's time for me to go and be out there, I'm going to be out there and do what I need to do. I'm not really going to look at it, I'm just going to do what I'm told and do what I'm taught and just do my job."

Hood is one of four Giants rookies who are in the mix for a starting spot. Francis Mauigoa and Arvell Reese are expected to start Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, but Hood and third-round pick Malachi Fields are fully immersed in competitions.

"Both guys are pushing," Harbaugh said of Hood and Fields. "I'd say both those guys are pushing for playing time. Both have done well."

Colton Hood is 'Physical'

The Giants defense has been effective against the run during camp, which is noteworthy since they were 31st against the run last season. Hood is committed to being physical and defending the run and was excited to put the pads on this week.

"I'm a physical guy," Hood said. "I feel like, as a corner, that's a part of the job description. Tackling and being physical. So, I was excited to get the pads on for the first time in a really long time, and get out there and tackle somebody."

Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson must feel good about having a cornerback like Hood who wants to tackle. Plus, Hood appears eager to learn, as well.

"I'm learning a lot from the veterans," Hood said. "Just getting up to speed with the playbook and everything. It's been a good camp. I've learned a lot and I'm going to continue to learn."