NFL Draft Day 2: The 21 Best Remaining Prospects For The New York Giants

Sep 27, 2014; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats offensive linesman Cody Whitehair (55) waits to block UTEP Miners defensive lineman Nick Usher (36) during first-quarter action at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2014; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats offensive linesman Cody Whitehair (55) waits to block UTEP Miners defensive lineman Nick Usher (36) during first-quarter action at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next

LINEBACKERS

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Reggie Ragland – ILB, Alabama Crimson Tide

Height: 6 feet 1 inches | Weight: 247 pounds

Ragland scored a draft grade of 6.47, which means “Chance to become good NFL starter”. Lance Zierlein compared Ragland to Minnesota Vikings second rounder E.J. Henderson, adding:

"“Thumping inside linebacker with throwback size and tone­setting mentality. Ragland is a confident and capable early starter in league who has the temperament to become one of the premier run­-stopping inside linebackers in the pro game. Ragland has some coverage and speed limitations, but his instincts and overall awareness should be able to mask those issues.”"

ProFootballFocus ranked Ragland as the 10th best overall prospect available on Day 2.

WalterFootball.com ranked Ragland as the top inside linebacker in this draft, noting:

"“Ragland has instincts, toughness and brings a real physical presence to the middle of the defense. Ragland has demonstrated versatility as he rushed off the edge as a defensive end in obvious passing downs while also showing improved coverage skills in pass defense.”"

Chase Goodbread relayed the report from insider Ian Rapoport that Ragland has been flagged for an enlarged aorta, which would explain his slide out of the first round.

Eric Robinson wrote the following on Ragland in his NFLMocks scouting report:

"“Ragland is considered a first round linebacker for a reason. He’s already at the NFL level in terms of size, football IQ and instincts. Ragland can play in either the 3-4 or 4-3 but as of now, Ragland is better suited for the 3-4 based on being a slight liability in pass coverage. It’s not hard to identify that Ragland was arguably the best player on defense for Alabama. There is absolutely no way he drops out of the 10th-20th range in the NFL draft. Whoever selects the stud linebacker, will have a consistent All-Pro on their hands.”"

Dec 23, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Boise State Broncos defensive lineman Kamalei Correa (8) celebrates after a sack against the Northern Illinois Huskies in the 2015 Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Boise State Broncos defensive lineman Kamalei Correa (8) celebrates after a sack against the Northern Illinois Huskies in the 2015 Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Kamalei Correa – OLB, Boise State Broncos

Height: 6 feet 2 inches | Weight: 243 pounds

WalterFootball ranked Correa as the 5th best outside linebacker prospect in the draft, noting:

"“Sources from multiple teams say that Correa graded out as a second-rounder. They like his edge-rushing skills and his presence, but he isn’t physical or strong against the run. Correa will have to improve in those areas for the NFL… The junior’s best fit could come as an inside/outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.”"

Kyle Sumner McKinnon of NFLMocks wrote the following about Correa in his scouting report:

"“He has the body type of edge defender and has a skill set that applies more to said position. Though Correa was productive in college lining up down on the line, asking him to put on weight could render many of his intriguing abilities useless.”"

Oct 24, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) pressured by Maryland Terrapins lineman Yannick Ngakoue (7) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) pressured by Maryland Terrapins lineman Yannick Ngakoue (7) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Yannick Ngakoue – OLB/DE, Maryland Terrapins

Height: 6 feet, 2 inches | Weight: 252 pounds

WalterFootball ranked Ngakoue as the 6th best outside linebacker prospect in this year’s draft, noting:

"“…he could have a lot of potential as a pro edge rusher. Ngakoue has length to him with speed off the edge. He flashed some moves during his Maryland career and played well when taking on future NFL linemen. Ngakoue had a strong combine, and some sources say they would have Ngakoue in the top 50 on their draft boards.”"

Shawn Spencer of NFLMocks wrote this about Yannick in his scouting report:

"“Yannick Ngakoue is a developmental outside linebacker in a 3-4 front who can contribute immediately as a pass-rush specialist. A big unknown at this time is his ability to drop into coverage and play in space. On the few occasions he did drop back at the snap, he was used to spy the quarterback.”"

Sep 12, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA;LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) tackles Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Gus Walley during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium. LSU won 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA;LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) tackles Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Gus Walley during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium. LSU won 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

16. Deion Jones – OLB, LSU Tigers

Height: 6 feet, 1 inch | Weight: 219 pounds

Deion scored a draft grade of 5.73, which means “Could become early NFL starter”. Jones was the top performer in the 40-yard-dash. Lance Zierlein compared Jones to Philadelphia Eagles 6th rounder Joe Mays, adding:

"“Three-down linebacker prospect with outstanding athleticism and a willing, aggressive mindset for the position. Jones lacks the playing experience that most linebackers in this draft will have so he might need a year of tutelage on the NFL level to help him expedite his learning curve. Jones could be a fit at ILB for a 3-4 team or as an outside linebacker in a 4­-3. Jones’ potential as a special teams cover man gives him a shot to get early playing time.”"

Senior analyst Gil Brandt called Jones one of the most underrated defensive prospects in the draft, adding:

"“He’s very athletic and quick. He needs to get stronger and I think he will. He’ll start and play on all downs in the NFL. He’s one of my favorite players in this draft.”"

Brandt wrote that Deion’s Pro Day workout was “off the charts“.

WalterFootball ranked Jones as the 7th best outside linebacker prospect in the draft, noting:

"“He demonstrated the speed to fly around the field and make tackles for the Tigers. As a backup in his junior year, Jones had 27 tackles. He earned a spot in the Senior Bowl and had a quality performance at the combine. Sources say they project Jones as being too undersized to be an every-down linebacker and he is a linebacker to play in the nickel unless he is able to add weight and strength.”"

Shawn Spencer wrote the following on Deion in his NFLMocks scouting report:

"“Deion Jones is a starting OLB in a 4-3 defense who wins with his athletic ability and coverage skills. Is not someone who should be asked to consistently rush off the edge… Despite starting just one season at LSU, he’s proven that he can be a three-down LB… With the pass-happy NFL now spreading the field and looking to create mismatches, having a player like Jones in the slot is a huge asset for a defense.”"

Oct 10, 2015; Fresno, CA, USA; Utah State Aggies nose guard David Moala (51) is congratulated by outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (9) after the Aggies recorded a safety against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the second quarter at Bulldog Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Fresno, CA, USA; Utah State Aggies nose guard David Moala (51) is congratulated by outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (9) after the Aggies recorded a safety against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the second quarter at Bulldog Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Kyler Fackrell – OLB, Utah State

Height: 6 feet, 4 inches | Weight: 244 pounds

Fackrell scored a draft grade of 5.83, which means “Could become early NFL starter”. Analyst Lance Zierlein compared Fackrell to Philadelphia Eagles LB Connor Barwin, adding:

"“When it comes to the length and athleticism teams will look for off the edge, Fackrell will be one of the poster boys. His field versatility, coverage talent and potential as a pass rusher could make him one of the fastest rising prospects in this draft and a future contender for a Pro Bowl nod.”"

More from NY Giants Draft

ProFootballFocus ranked Fackrell as the 38th best overall prospect available on Day 2.

WalterFootball ranked Fackrell as the 8th best linebacker prospect in this year’s draft, noting:

"“He is a well-balanced defender who can contribute in both phases. Fackrell has the ability to drop into pass coverage and blitz off the edge. Fackrell has a nice combination of size and quickness.”"

According to Gil Brandt, Fackrell’s best position in the NFL is outside linebacker for a team that runs a 3-4 base defense.

Rodney Stokes, Jr. wrote the following on Fackrell in his NFLMocks scouting report:

"“Kyler Fackrell will be a good to great player in this league, so long as his knee allows him to be. A guy with a great motor and the ability to use his athleticism and size to his advantage will find a place on anybody’s team. Although you don’t find too many players at 6’5 with the ability to cover in the open field, Fackrell has a chance to be a complete player in the correct scheme.”"

Next: RUNNING BACKS