New York Giants: 35 players to follow at Scouting Combine
By Henry Buggy
The NFL Scouting Combine kicks off this Tuesday with players arriving in Indianapolis.
New York Giants new general manager Dave Gettleman and first-year head coach Pat Shurmur will attend the annual “Underwear Olympics” along with 31 other franchises.
The Scouting Combine gives teams a chance to evaluate and meet the top prospects in the draft, but also allows NFL front offices an opportunity to finalize their offseason plans with free agency just around the corner.
The rumor mill will be in full swing. Free agency plans, draft targets, and future trades will all likely surface during the week.
The G-Men have plenty of questions to answer following a 3-13 season. But none is bigger than what to do with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.
The Giants will have multiple options come April. Big Blue can select their future franchise quarterback. They can take the best player available. Or they could trade back and take one of the top offensive linemen.
Rebuilding New York’s offensive line is the top priority, but the G-Men do have needs elsewhere as well.
Running back, inside and outside linebacker, and cornerback are all positions Gettleman could look to address in the draft. The Giants may also look to add depth at the wide receiver position should they move on from Brandon Marshall.
Finding players that will also fit Shurmur and James Bettcher’s systems will also surely factor into Big Blue’s draft choices.
No Final Draft Decisions Will Be Made In Indianapolis
It’s fairly obvious that no final decisions will be made at the Scouting Combine. With free agency, pro days, and team visits still ahead, Gettleman acknowledged their is still plenty more information to collect, via Newsday.
"“I’ve heard stories about teams setting their boards in February and that’s where they sit. That’s not my philosophy. I want all the information so I can make an informed decision. I don’t have any preconceived notions, I just let the process play out. You have to respect the process, and the process doesn’t end until you’ve done Indy, gone out to the Pro Days, had visits with kids both here and at their campuses, and then we gather up all the information. I’m a firm believer in respecting the process. You take short cuts, you’re going to make mistakes. I can’t sit here in early March and decide who I’m taking with the second pick in the draft. It’s silly.”"
Measurements, medical exams, and other tests will be given the first three days of the event. Over 300 prospects are expected to be in Indianapolis and players will take the field Friday for on-field workouts.
Running backs, offensive linemen, and special teams players will take the field Friday. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends will get their turn on Saturday. Defensive linemen and linebackers will have their on-field workouts on Sunday, and defensive backs will wrap up the event on Monday.
While all eyes will be on the players’ on-field workouts, Gettleman notes that interviews with prospects are just as, if not more, important.
"“One of the biggest adjustments these guys make is the mental part of the game. A lot of them come from systems that are fairly simple and they’re not asked to do a lot, so we have basically a football interview. We have film and they talk us through everything. We’re trying to find out how much football they know, which is really important.”"
Below is a list of 35 players to follow at the Scouting Combine. They are not necessarily the best players in this year’s draft class, but all 35 could be potential draft targets given New York’s needs and when they might address their positions.