New York Giants Draft Day 3 Preview: 13 Best Remaining Prospects

RUNNING BACKS

11. Jordan Howard – RB, Indiana Hoosiers

Howard scored a draft grade of 6.1, which translates to “Chance to become good NFL starter”. Analyst Lance Zierlein compared Jordan to former Houston Texans RB Arian Foster:

"“Howard has the optimal size and talent needed to strap the pads on and become a productive workhorse for a team looking for one, true lead back. Howard’s vision, power and subtle shiftiness allow him to create and break tackles along the way. Staying healthy in the NFL is a legitimate concern for Howard considering his relentless running style. If he can stay healthy, Howard has the ability to become an instant factor as an NFL starter.”"

Zierlein also called Howard one of the biggest “boom-or-bust” prospects while senior analyst Gil Brant thought Jordan was one of the most underrated offensive prospects, adding: “Howard was a very productive college back who should put up numbers in the NFL.”

NFL.com Alex Gelhar believes Howard’s “lack of flash won’t limit his potential“.

David Holmes of the NFLMocks wrote:

"“Jordan Howard is one of the more underrated players in the country. He has shown that he can dominate all levels of competition from his days at both UAB and Indiana. His tough running style and excellent vision will help as he makes the transition to the NFL. If he passes the medical check and tests well at the combine, he should vault up to the top five conversation for running backs.”"

12. Paul Perkins – RB, UCLA Bruins

Perkins scored a drat grade of 5.6, which means he’ll most likely be a “Backup or eventual starter” but is on the cusp of becoming an early starter. Paul was the top performer in the broad jump at the scouting combine among running backs.

Analyst Lance Zierlein projects Perkins to go in the 4th round and compares him to Cleveland Browns pick Duke Johnson, adding:

"“If Perkins had more size and play strength to go with his elusiveness, we would be talking about whether he or Ezekiel Elliott would be the first running back off the board. While Perkins’ tape is full of ankle-breaking cuts, his draft value will also be determined by his ability to protect the quarterback and stay on the field in short-yardage spots. If Perkins finds the right scheme and team fits for his talents, he could become a high-­end committee back early on.”"

Brady Lunt of NFLMocks wrote:

"“Perkins should be an intriguing talent as his versatility allows him to make an impact as a runner and receiver. However, scouts will be leary of his frame and injury history. If Perkins can prove he is healthy, add weight, and perform well at the combine, he’ll see his draft stock climb. He will not be an immediate starter, but should find ways to contribute and potentially grow into that role.”"

13. Alex Collins – RB, Arkansas Razorbacks

Collins earned a draft grade of 5.53, which means “Backup or eventual starter”. Lance Zierlein compared him to current New York Jets workhorse Chris Ivory, adding:

"“Collins is the epitome of consistency rushing for over 1,000 yards and at least 5.4 yards per carry in each of his three seasons. Vision and footwork are the catalysts for his elusiveness and he has flashed long speed. Collins is a repetitive runner lacking dynamic talent, but he’s run in gap, power and zone schemes and should be a scheme fit for most teams looking at running back. Collins should be able to step right in and challenge for carries and red zone work immediately.”"

• SEC Freshman of the Year (2013)
• Only the third player in SEC history to rush for 1000 plus yards in 3 seasons (Herschel Walker, Darren McFadden)
• Doak Walker Award Semifinalist (2015)
• Second-team all-SEC (2015)
• 3rd in the SEC in rushing yards in rushing touchdowns (2015)
• 5th in the SEC in rushing yards per attempt (2015)
• 2015 Liberty Bowl MVP

NFL Draft Geek thinks Collins could land with the Giants as does DraftTek.com, who thinks it will happen in the 4th Round if Oklahoma LB Eric Striker is off the board.

Brady Lunt of NFL Mocks wrote:

"“Alex Collins is an old-fashioned, physical runner that possesses the speed to break into the open field. He hasn’t demonstrated versatility as a receiver just yet, but has shown the tools needed to be an effective back in the NFL. With time and attention to growth, Collins could carve out a niche on an offense much like Isaiah Crowell has in Cleveland. He definitely possesses the potential to be an every-down back at the next level.”"