NFL Draft Day 2: The 21 Best Remaining Prospects For The New York Giants
By Neal Lynch
RUNNING BACKS
18. Derrick Henry – RB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Height: 6 feet, 2 inches | Weight: 247 pounds
Henry scored a draft grade of 6.15, which means “Chance to become good NFL starter”. Lance Zierlein compared Derrick to former New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, adding:
"“Bell-cow running back with an ability to strap on feedbag and eat for four quarters. Henry’s long legs and angular running style is a much better fit for downhill running teams who value lead backs and physicality. Henry needs early running room as he’s not a creator in the backfield, but once he gets up a full head of steam, he is a nightmare with his ability to punish on the second and third level or take it to the house. Henry should come in and provide immediate production as a starter.”"
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Zierlein also reported that an NFC running backs coach compared Henry to former San Diego Chargers running back Marion Butts.
Draft analyst Chad Reuter called Henry one of the top eight most explosive prospects in the draft.
WalterFootball ranked Derrick as the second best running back prospect in the draft, noting:
"“Not only was his running impressive, but the blitz protection will really excite scouts. Henry’s contributions in the passing game will help his draft grade and give NFL teams the evidence that he can be a three-down starter as a pro. Henry is a downhill bulldozer who has an underrated burst to get to the second level and break off long runs. He isn’t an elusive back, and is a one-cut downhill runner, but he has shown surprising speed to run away from defensive backs when breaking off long runs”"
Rodney Stokes, Jr. had this to say about Henry in his NFLMocks scouting report:
"“Derrick Henry could be great or he could be searching for a job the way Trent Richardson is right now. It’s all going to come down to the team that drafts him and his ability to learn and succeed in the blocking system that they provide. I don’t believe Henry is a back that can be successful in any system, I think zone blocking is his key…”"
19. Devontae Booker, RB, Utah Utes
Height: 5 feet, 10 inches | Weight: 219 pounds
Booker scored a drat grade of 5.7, which means “Could become early NFL starter”. Lance Zierlein compared Booker to Chicago Bears 4th rounder Jeremy Langford, adding:
"“Rhythm runner who has experience in a pro-style running game and who gets better with the more carries he has. Booker is a three-down running back who has the toughness and determination to grind out short yardage while possessing the vision and footwork to create for himself when near the line of scrimmage or the second level. Booker isn’t fast, but he plays at a consistent speed and should have enough quickness to be consistently productive as an NFL starting running back.”"
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Senior analyst Gil Brandt called Booker one of the most underrated offensive prospects in the draft, adding:
WalterFootball ranked Booker as the third best running back prospect in the draft, noting:
"“His solid play displayed his versatility with quickness, toughness and elusiveness as a runner. Booker gained a lot of yards after contact in college, but that quality will be diminished when he faces NFL defenders. Booker weighed in, but didn’t work out at the combine. Teams like Booker, but said he struggles with the playbook and football I.Q.”"
Shawn Spencer had this to say about Devontae is his NFLMocks scouting report:
"“Devontae Booker is a starting RB in a zone blocking scheme in which he can utilize his vision and patience to find the open running lane, make one cut and burst through the hole. Is not a RB with home run speed to breakaway from defenders in the secondary. His recent knee surgery will force him down draft boards, as will his age. He’s not an every down back, but is capable of carrying the ball 15-20 times per game if he can fix his ball security issues”"
20. Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Height: 5 feet, 10 inches | Weight: 215 pounds
Dixon scored a draft grade of 5.7, which means “Could become early NFL starter”. Analyst Lance Zierlein compared Dixon to undrafted free agent Seattle Seahawk Thomas Rawls, adding:
"“Highly determined runner with a strong desire to compete through the whistle on every snap. Dixon possesses outstanding feet with exciting suddenness in his change of direction, but he’s very willing to finish his runs with authority and has a knack for finding the endzone. Dixon has all the traits of being a quality, three-down starter in the NFL but his frame and suspect pass protection could be long-term concerns.”"
ProFootballFocus ranked Dixon as the 25th best overall prospect available on Day 2.
WalterFootball ranked Dixon as the fourth best RB prospect in the draft, noting:
"“Dixon is short of elite speed or power, but he is a well-rounded player who could become a three-down starter in the NFL. Dixon does need to improve his ball security as he had 13 fumbles in college…. Dixon is a well-balanced, tough runner who has some quickness to go with strength to get yards after contact. Immediately in the NFL, Dixon could be a receiving back as he is a natural route-runner with soft hands. Dixon is very skilled in the passing game.”"
George Stockburger of NFLMocks wrote that “Dixon is a competitive north-south runner who will give you more than you asked for.”
21. C.J. Prosise – RB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Height: 6 feet 0 inches | Weight: 220 pounds
Prosise scored a draft grade of 5.57, which means “Backup or eventual starter”. Lance Zierlein compared C.J. to Fred Jackson, adding:
"“Ascending running back prospect with the physical build to handle a workload, the athleticism to create for himself and the hands to keep stacking total yardage up. While Prosise has the acceleration and play strength to fit into an NFL offense, he needs to become a shade more decisive and has to improve in protections if he is to become a three-down option. Prosise looks like an immediate “committee” runner with future starter potential.”"
WalterFootball ranked Prosise as the 5th best RB prospect in the draft, adding:
"“Prosise has a surprising burst to go along with having good size for a NFL running back. He hits the hole quickly and runs with vision and balance. For the NFL, Prosise needs to improve his ball security.”"
In his scouting report on NFLMocks, Brady Lunt wrote the following on C.J.:
"“He is difficult to tackle due to his physical running style and displays tremendous balance. He’s a smooth runner and demonstrates outstanding patience to allow his blocks to develop before exploding through the hole and showing off game-breaking speed. He is a good receiver out of the backfield, making him a “dual-threat” of sorts at the position. Yes, he is inexperienced and will need to work out the kinks in his pass-protection, but I think Prosise will be a starter as a pro.”"
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MY IDEAL PICKS FOR GIANTS ON DAY 2 (in order of preference):
- CODY WHITEHAIR or JASON SPRIGGS
- STERLING SHEPARD or MICHAEL THOMAS
- REGGIE RAGLAND or DEION JONES