NFL COMBINE: Tight End James Hanna Jumps Out of The Gym

It is well known, or at least well reported that the New York Giants might be looking for a Tight End in the draft.  They, of course, will not reach or draft strictly for position.  At #32 every Tight End should still be on the board, so they will have to see how the rest of the players in the draft stack up at that spot.

On the upside, Tight End James Hanna for Oklahoma made a great impression at the NFL Combine  yesterday, thus making the position of Tight End that much deeper.  His 40 time was the fastest of the group at 4.49, a tremendous time for a Tight End.  His Three Cone Drill time was second among the group at 6.76, and his vertical jump was also second in the group at 36 inches.  He finished third in the Broad Jump at 10’2″.  Hanna showed good hands in all the other on-field drill and is listed at 6’4″ and 243 lbs.  He is a converted Wide Receiver who has the size, strength and athleticism to make the move inside.

The position of Tight End has become more valuable in the new NFL, and a pick at #32 would not be a reach, but as GM Jerry Reese said Saturday on the NFL Network, it’s about sticking to your plan.  In 2008, after winning the Super Bowl,  having the last pick in each round the Giants were able to get Kenny Phillips, Terrell Thomas, and Mario Manningham.  Pretty good for such a poor s;ot on the draft.  Best Available Athlete will still be the mantra for the Giants come late April.