Senior Bowl: Top 25 draft prospects for New York Giants

The G-Men and general manager Dave Gettleman are headed to Mobile, Alabama this week to scout some of this year’s top draft prospects at the Senior Bowl.

The New York Giants hold the No. 2 overall pick after posting a 3-13 record in 2017. Big Blue’s newly appointed general manager has already shaken up New York’s scouting department, firing vice president of player evaluation Marc Ross.   

David Johnson, Russell Wilson, Aaron Donald, Jimmy Graham, Von Miller, and Zack Martin are just some of the notable names to have participated in this All-Star event. Of course, many of the top underclassmen do not participate in the event, giving some of college football’s top seniors and fourth-year juniors the chance to showcase their skills.

The Denver Broncos and Houston Texans will coach the North and South teams respectively. The first practice is scheduled for Tuesday, and the game will take place on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET.

The Giants have multiple needs this offseason, but the offensive line was visibly their biggest weakness in 2017. Gettleman plans to let free agency set up New York’s draft strategy, but expect Big Blue’s scouting department to take a close look at the offensive linemen in this year’s Senior Bowl.

The Giants have a franchise-changing decision to make with the No. 2 overall pick. Eli Manning just turned 37-years-old this January, and former general manager Jerry Reese used a third-round selection on Davis Webb in last year’s draft.

Quarterback, running back, linebacker, defensive end, cornerback, and all positions along the offensive line should be considered priorities for New York this offseason. Here’s a closer look at the top 25 draft prospects Giants fans should pay attention to in this year’s Senior Bowl.

#25 – Iowa State WR Allen Lazard

The Cyclones 6-foot-5, 222-pound receiver will likely be Iowa State’s first drafted prospect since 2014.

The Giants don’t have a big need for a wide receiver in the early rounds of the 2018 draft, but season-ending injuries to Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall left Big Blue thin at the receiver position.

Lazard could be a mid-to-late round steal in the 2018 draft and finished his collegiate career as the program’s leader in receptions (241) and receiving yards (3,360).

#24 – Iowa OL Sean Welsh

Iowa’s 6-foot-3, 295-pound guard earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in his senior year.

Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller lists the Hawkeyes offensive lineman as the “biggest sleeper” and “biggest riser” at the center position on his Big Board.

The Giants have questions to answer with both Justin Pugh and Weston Richburg set to test free agency, making Welsh one of the top prospect to watch this week. Nevada’s Austin Corbett will be another offensive line prospect to watch in Mobile, but Welsh edged him out for the last lineman spot on this list.

#23 – Stanford DT Harrison Phillips

Phillips is arguably the best defensive tackle prospect at the Senior Bowl this week, but both Alabama’s Da’Shawn Hand and Florida State’s Derrick Nnadi will look to turn heads with their impressive play.

Any of the three could be on New York’s Big Board come April, but the Giants don’t have a pressing need at the defensive tackle position.

Big Blue may need to find a replacement for rotational defensive tackle Jay Bromley, but Phillips is unlikely to stay on the board past the mid-rounds. The Cardinal 6-foot-4, 295-pound defensive tackle recorded 98 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in his senior year.

#22 – Iowa RB Akrum Wadley

The Hawkeyes 5-foot-11, 191-pound tailback is coming off a second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. Wadley also caught 71 passes for 761 yards in four seasons at Iowa and scored 35 touchdowns.

The Giants have a decision to make with unrestricted free agent Orleans Darkwa this offseason, and whether they believe Wayne Gallman can be the lead back in 2018. Either way, Gettleman may still look to add a tailback in the draft, and Wadley could be a mid-round sleeper to keep an eye on.

#21 – Ohio State DE Tyquan Lewis

The Buckeyes may have had the most talented defensive line in college football in 2017, and Lewis may be flying under the radar due to teammates Nick Bosa and Sam Hubbard.

While Hubbard is considered the top defensive end prospect from Ohio State in this year’s class, multiple franchises would likely love a chance to add Lewis to their roster. Through four seasons in Columbus, the 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end recorded 112 tackles, 37 tackles for a loss, 23.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles.

The Giants need to add depth to the defensive end position, and Lewis can surely boost his draft stock with a strong week in Mobile.

#20 – Washington State QB Luke Falk

All the quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl are worth keeping an eye on this week, and Virginia’s Kurt Benkert arguably could have taken this spot. But watching Falk play outside of Mike Leach’s offense is something all NFL teams will likely want to see.

The Cougars 6-foot-4, 223-pound quarterback set a Pac-12 record for the most career passing yards (14,481) in conference history. ESPN’s Mel Kiper lists Falk as the ninth best quarterback on his prospect rankings, but Drew Lock has since announced his return to Missouri for his senior year.

Falk may be one of the top pocket passers in this year’s draft. But he will need to show that his numbers are not just the result of Leach’s spread offense.

#19 – Colorado State WR Michael Gallup

Gallup is expected to be one of the top prospects to watch this draft season. Pro Football Focus gave the Rams 6-foot-1, 200-pound receiver their highest grade for a player at his position.

In two seasons at Colorado State, Gallup recorded 176 receptions for 2,690 yards and scored 21 touchdowns.

#18 – UCF LB Shaquem Griffin

The Knights five-year senior will be on the of the top playmakers at the Senior Bowl despite playing with one hand. Griffin, who had his left hand amputated at four-years-old, won the AAC’s Defensive Players of the Year award in 2016.

He helped the program post its first undefeated record (13-0) in school history, leading the Knights with 13.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles in his senior year.

The 6-foot-1, 223-pound linebacker will surely be one of the most talked about prospects this week.

#17 – Western Kentucky QB Mike White

The Hilltoppers 6-foot-4, 225-pound quarterback is one of the more intriguing prospects at this year’s Senior Bowl.

Miller lists White as the No. 8 overall quarterback on his Big Board and labels him the “biggest sleeper” at his position.

While all eyes will be on two other quarterbacks in Mobile this week, White has the potential to steal the show. The Western Kentucky transfer is coming off back-to-back 4,000-yard passing seasons and threw 63 touchdowns to 15 interceptions.

#16 – San Diego State RB Rashaad Penny

Penny led all FBS running backs with 2,248 rushing yards in 2017. The Aztecs 5-foot-11, 220-pound tailback averaged 7.8 yards per carry and scored 25 touchdowns in his senior year.

Both Miller and Kiper list the San Diego State prospect as the eighth best tailback in this year’s draft class.

Penny showed he could put up big numbers against Power Five programs in his senior year. He was held under 100 yards rushing just twice this season and recorded a minimum of 200 yards rushing in each of his final five college games.

#15 – West Virginia S Kyzir White

The Giants likely feel comfortable moving forward with Landon Collins and Darian Thompson at the safety positions, but White is sure to garner plenty of attention this week.

The Mountaineers 6-foot-2, 218-pound safety recorded 152 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, three interceptions, and four forced fumbles in two seasons. Both Miller and Kiper have White listed as the sixth best safety in this year’s draft class.

The West Virginia prospect is expected to be one of the top defensive backs playing in this year’s Senior Bowl.

#14 – Michigan C Mason Cole

There is no shortage of talented interior offensive linemen in this year’s draft, and Cole will arguably be the top center at the Senior Bowl with Arkansas’ Frank Ragnow absent.

Miller lists Cole as the third best center prospect in this year’s draft class, placing him behind only Ragnow and Ohio State’s Billy Price.

The Wolverines 6-foot-5, 305-pound offensive lineman spent time at both center and tackle during his collegiate career in Ann Arbor and tied a program record for the most consecutive starts (51). Cole earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2017.

#13 – Florida CB Duke Dawson

While White may be the best safety in Mobile, Dawson will be looking to prove himself the top cornerback.

The Gators 5-foot-10, 208-pound corner is projected to be a third to fourth-round draft selection and expected to cover the slot at the next level, according to Charlie Campbell of Walter Football.

In four seasons in Gainesville, Dawson amassed 81 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, 17 passes defended, six interceptions, and scored three defensive touchdowns.

#12 – Oregon RB Royce Freeman

Freeman, Penny, and Wadley all have the ability to take over a game, but the Ducks 5-foot-11, 231-pound running back has been making highlight reels at the collegiate level since his freshman year.

Despite a coaching change, Freeman posted the most rushing touchdowns (60) in Pac-12 history while also recording the second most rushing yards (5,621) in conference history. He also ranks among the top draft-eligible running backs from the Power Five in terms of his elusive rating, missed tackles, and yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Ducks playmaker also caught 79 passes for 814 yards and could be a steal in the 2018 draft, depending on his selection.

#11 – Oklahoma State WR James Washington

The Cowboys 6-foot, 205-pound receiver caught 226 passes for 4,472 yards and scored 40 touchdowns during his collegiate career.

Miller lists Washington as the ninth best receiver on his Big Board, and Bleacher Report’s lead draft analyst labels him the “biggest question mark” at his position due to Oklahoma State’s offensive scheme.

Much like Falk, NFL scouts will want to see how Washington handles playing outside of his system. Walter Football currently has him projected to be a third to fifth-round draft selection, but the Cowboys star receiver could shoot up draft boards with impressive performances at the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine.

#10 – Georgia OL Isaiah Wynn

Georgia’s 6-foot-2, 302-pound left tackle will be one of the more intriguing prospects for Big Blue given the team’s needs along the offensive line.

Wynn is projected to play guard at the next level due to his size, but he has also drawn comparisons with New York Jets starting left tackle Kelvin Beachum, according to Campbell.

The Bulldogs senior captain started all 15 games in 2017 and was New York’s fourth-round draft pick in GMEN HQ’s Mock Draft 1.0.

#9 – North Carolina CB M.J. Stewart

The Giants will likely keep Eli Apple on the roster in 2018, but Gettleman still has a decision to make with impending free agent Ross Cockrell this offseason.

If Big Blue is unable to add depth to their secondary in free agency, New York’s front office may decide to take a cornerback at some point of the draft. Stewart may be the top cornerback prospect at this year’s Senior Bowl and is Kiper’s fifth ranked prospect at the position.

The Tar Heels 6-foot, 205-pound corner amassed 199 tackles, 41 passes defended, 11.5 tackles for a loss, six interceptions, and three forced fumbles in four seasons.

#8 – UTEP OL Will Hernandez

The Miners 6-foot-3, 330-pound offensive lineman will be on multiple NFL teams’ radars. Both Kiper and Miller list him as the third best guard in this year’s draft class, and the Giants have major decisions to make with both Pugh and John Jerry this offseason.

Sports Illustrated’s Bruce Feldman reported in September that one NFL scout viewed him as the top guard prospect in the nation. That title likely belongs to Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson, but that doesn’t mean Hernandez won’t be one of the first interior offensive linemen off the board.

NFL evaluators will likely want to see how the UTEP prospect holds up against some of college football’s top defensive linemen.

#7 – UTSA DE Marcus Davenport

With Harold Landry missing the Senior Bowl due to an injury, Davenport should be considered the top defensive end prospect in Mobile.

The 6-foot-7, 255-pound pass rusher racked up 185 tackles, 37.5 tackles for a loss, 21.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles in four seasons at UTSA. Walter Football lists him as the fifth best defensive end in this year’s draft and writes that scouts from multiple teams think he could possibly be selected in the back half of the first-round.

NFL evaluators are sure to love Davenport’s length and athleticism and are likely eager to get a first-hand look at the San Antonio prospect.

#6 – USC OLB Uchenna Nwosu

The Trojans 6-foot-2, 240-pound outside linebacker will get the chance to prove he can fit in a 4-3 defensive front this week. The Giants have decisions to make with both Devon Kennard and Jonathan Casillas in free agency, and Nwosu could be a potential replacement for New York’s starting strongside linebacker.

Nwosu led all draft-eligible edge defenders in quarterback pressures this season, according to Pro Football Focus.

He recorded 75 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 13 passes defended and helped USC win its first Pac-12 title since 2008 in his senior season.

#5 – Virginia LB Micah Kiser

The 2018 draft class is expected to be loaded with talent at the linebacker position. Only three linebackers crack this list, but Michigan’s Mike McCray, South Carolina State’s Darius Leonard, and Wisconsin’s Garret Dooley are all worth keeping an eye on.

The Cavaliers All-American middle linebacker was a tackling machine, racking up 393 tackles, 33.5 tackles for a loss, 19 sacks, 12 passes defended, eight forced fumbles, and one interception over the last three seasons. Kiser became the second player in ACC history to lead the conference in tackles for three consecutive years, placing him alongside Carolina Panthers star linebacker Luke Kuechly

Kiper lists the 6-foot-2, 240-pound prospect as the fourth best inside linebacker in this year’s draft class. While there are some concerns with Kiser in pass coverage, the Virginia linebacker will look to put those notions to rest this week.

#4 – Oregon OT Tyrell Crosby

The Giants have needs at both right and left tackle this offseason and have to make a decision on Ereck Flowers’ fifth-year option as well.

West Georgia’s Desmond Harrison, Western Michigan’s Chukwuma Okorafor, and Mississippi State’s Martinas Rankin were three of the top offensive tackle prospects expected to participate in the Senior Bowl, but all three have since removed themselves from the All-Star event.

The Ducks 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive tackle earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2017. Crosby was the conference’s top pass blocking tackle, according to Pro Football Focus.

Miller labels the Oregon offensive tackle as the “biggest faller” on his Big Board and lists him as the eighth best prospect at his position.

#3 – Pittsburgh OT Brian O’Neill

O’Neill has been skyrocketing up draft analysts’ Big Boards since the end of the college football season. Kiper didn’t even include the Panthers 6-foot-6, 290-pound left tackle on his original prospect rankings, but ESPN’s lead draft analyst now has him labeled at the 21st overall prospect on his most recent Big Board.

Kiper notes that O’Neill’s “versatility is a plus” as he can play both left and right tackle or guard at the next level if necessary.

O’Neill started all 12 games at left tackle in his redshirt junior season after starting 13 games at right tackle in 2016. He earned first-team All-ACC honors and will surely be on Big Blue’s radar throughout the draft process.

#2 – Wyoming QB Josh Allen

Surprise, surprise, two quarterbacks top the list. Wyoming’s 6-foot-5, 233-pound quarterback was Kiper’s No. 1 overall pick in his first mock draft and the top quarterback on his Big Board.

Allen did not put up impressive numbers in the Mountain West Conference and struggled against Power Five programs in 2017. He completed just 56.3 percent of his passes for 1,812 yards and threw 16 touchdowns to six interceptions in 11 games.

Draft analysts question whether the talent surrounding the Cowboys quarterback impacted his numbers, and the Senior Bowl will be the perfect test to see how he compares on a level playing field.

#1 – Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield

Mayfield and Allen should be considered 1A and 1B for Senior Bowl prospects for Big Blue. Both are expected to be first-round selections.

Miller and Kiper both have the Heisman winner listed as the fourth best quarterback in this year’s draft class, placing him behind Allen, Sam Darnold, and Josh Rosen.

The Sooners 6-foot-1, 220-pound quarterback has both the first and second best single-season passer efficiency ratings in FBS history. The two-time walk-on quarterback completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 14,607 yards and threw 131 touchdowns to 30 interceptions during his collegiate career.

Mayfield’s measurements and whether he can play in the NFL have been one of the biggest draft storylines since Oklahoma’s elimination from the College Football Playoff. The Sooners quarterback has a track record of proving doubters wrong and will look to continue that trend at the next level.

Next: Top 27 Free Agent Targets For Big Blue