Giants trade up to No. 71 overall and draft UCF DB Aaron Robinson

The Giants move up to the No. 71 overall pick in the third round and select Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson.

In a move that’s somewhat of a surprise, the Giants have traded up in the third round, swapping picks with the Denver Broncos at No. 71.

And with that 71st overall pick, Big Blue has selected UCF defensive back Aaron Robinson.

New York gave up its No. 76 overall pick as well as its No. 164 selection in the fifth round, which the Giants received from the first-round trade deal with Chicago Thursday.

The Giants have now chosen in three spots that weren’t originally theirs to begin with. Amid a number of trades, New York has made their picks at No. 20, 50, and 71 overall instead of No. 11, 42, and 76 overall, where it was previously slotted.

Robinson was a two-time All-AAC selection while a member of the Central Florida football program. Before his time with UCF, he spent the 2016 season with Alabama.

Last season, Aaron recorded 41 combined tackles and six pass breakups. He racked up 49 combined tackles, nine pass breakups, and one interception the year prior.

How will Aaron Robinson fit into the Giants roster?

Aaron Robinson most definitely won’t start right away, given the already-loaded secondary the Giants employ. The Giants are slated to start James Bradberry and free-agent pickup Adoree’ Jackson at the two outside corner spots while pending second-year man Darnay Holmes is expected to retain his role as the team’s starting slot corner.

Jabrill Peppers and Logan Ryan will reside at the two safety positions while Julian Love and Xavier McKinney perform as situational defensive backs.

As he develops, expect Robinson to join Love and McKinney as someone who could play a number of roles within the secondary.

This type of versatility is likely why the organization targeted Robinson in the draft. The young defensive back can perform on the outside and in the nickel corner role — expect him to do both even as a rookie.

Robinson also ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at his Pro Day; maybe the Giants utilize that speed and field him as a return specialist as well?