Quick Hits: Giants Round 7 Draft Pick DB Gervarrius Owens

What are the Giants getting in seventh-rounder Gervarrius Owens? Coach Gene Clemons has the breakdown.

The recipe in the seventh round for the Giants was to stay defensive. After adding depth on the defensive line with their first pick of the round, they added depth on the back end with their second selection in University of Houston safety Gervarrius Owens. 

Owens joins first-round selection Deonte Banks and sixth-round pick Tre Hawkins III as the 2023 draft class in the Giants secondary. They join free agent cornerback Amani Oruwariye and safety Bobby McCain as the newest members of a defensive back room that will surely have a different look.

Owens was a four-year starter for the Cougars. His drop in the draft is primarily due to lapses in focus and inconsistency on a play-by-play basis. Despite some inconsistent play, there must be something special about a player who could start for four consecutive seasons and be named the team's captain as well. That means Owens has some attributes that don't appear in stat books or even on video.

Before heading to Houston, Owens spent a season at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M junior college. He was the team leader in tackles with 51 and had three interceptions. In his first season at Houston, he started 11 games at cornerback. He finished with 54 tackles, an interception, and six passes defended. He started five of that eight-game season at safety in his second season and collected 28 tackles.

The next season he started 13 games finishing fifth on the team in tackles with 52. He intercepted two passes, including a 45-yard return for a touchdown. He earned first-team All-AAC for his efforts. He started 12 games at free safety in his final season and had his best statistical season. His 74 tackles and nine pass breakups were good enough for second on the team. He also forced two fumbles and intercepted one pass, which he returned for a touchdown. He earned second-team All-AAC and his Bachelor of Science in Sociology.

Emory Hunt of Football Gameplan writes that Owens has "Very good athleticism and ability. Has a smooth backpedal and transition out of it as well. Very light on his feet helps him get to where he needs to go once he triggers. Can flip his hips and get to the opposite side fluidly. Can be trusted in both Deep 1/3 & split Safety looks. Flows to the ball well in the run game, takes proper angles, and proves to be a dependable tackler."

At six feet and 200 pounds, Owens is another good-sized third-level defender. He is another defensive back prospect who provides positional versatility and is big, physical, and not afraid to come up and tackle. 

With the uncertainty surrounding the safety position in the Giants locker room now that Julian Love has moved on to Seattle, there's a legitimate opportunity for someone to grab. The one thing we know about defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is where a guy was drafted does not matter to him at all. The only thing that matters is if you can help his defense.

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