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New York Giants: 35 players to follow at Scouting Combine

By Henry Buggy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 25: General view of the exterior of Lucas Oil Stadium prior to a game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Diego Chargers on September 25, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 25: General view of the exterior of Lucas Oil Stadium prior to a game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Diego Chargers on September 25, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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#5 – Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield

MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 27: Baker Mayfield #6 of the North team throws the ball during the first half of the Reese’s Senior Bowl against the the South team at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 27, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 27: Baker Mayfield #6 of the North team throws the ball during the first half of the Reese’s Senior Bowl against the the South team at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 27, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

It should be no surprise that three quarterbacks are in the top five. Multiple draft analysts project Big Blue to take a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick. Watching Mayfield throw alongside the top quarterback prospects is a must-watch for any franchise seeking a quarterback this offseason. It will also be interesting to see if Gettleman meets with the Sooners Heisman winner, and how the 6-foot-1, 220-pound quarterback handles himself at the event. Mayfield has continued to prove doubters wrong throughout his collegiate career and will look to continue that trend at the next level.

#4 – Notre Dame OG Quenton Nelson

SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 28: Josh Adams #33, Alex Bars #71, and Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Notre Dame Stadium on October 28, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 28: Josh Adams #33, Alex Bars #71, and Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Notre Dame Stadium on October 28, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Nelson may not be the first offensive lineman off the board come April, but he is the best offensive line prospect. The 6-foot-5, 329-pound prospect earned Pro Football Focus’ highest grade of any guard in college football, and it wasn’t close. He has drawn comparisons with Hall of Famer Larry Allen. One NFL personnel executive said he is one of the best run blockers he’s ever evaluated, via NFL Network. If the Giants don’t land Andrew Norwell in free agency and Justin Pugh signs elsewhere, it may not be too far-fetched to see Big Blue take Nelson at No. 2.

#3 – Penn State RB Saquon Barkley

STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 21: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes for a 69 yard touchdown in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 21: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes for a 69 yard touchdown in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Quarterback, offensive line, or the best player available is the question Gettleman faces ahead of the 2018 draft. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah and ESPN’s Mel Kiper both have Barkley listed as the No. 1 prospect in this year’s class regardless of position. Zierlein compares the Nittany Lions running back to Hall of Famer Barry Sanders. The 5-foot-11, 223-pound running back will make an immediate impact no matter what team he plays for in 2018. Barkley is obviously one of the top prospect to follow in Indianapolis this week.

#2 – UCLA QB Josh Rosen

PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins in the pocket as he is rushed by Tony Mekari #97 of the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at Rose Bowl on November 24, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins in the pocket as he is rushed by Tony Mekari #97 of the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at Rose Bowl on November 24, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Rosen may be the most talented quarterback in this year’s class, but questions about leadership and his coach-ability has likely put doubts in some general managers’ minds. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound quarterback will have the chance to shine at the Scouting Combine, showing off his impressive arm and terrific footwork. But his interviews with NFL general managers and head coaches in Indianapolis will also draw plenty of attention.

#1 – USC QB Sam Darnold

ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to throw against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to throw against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Darnold, Rosen, Mayfield, and Allen are likely to draw the most attention this upcoming week, but USC’s 6-foot-4, 220-pound quarterback could separate himself from the pack through interviews and on-field drills. He has the size, arm strength, and leadership qualities NFL teams seek in a future franchise quarterback but struggled with turnovers in his redshirt sophomore season. While interviews may be the most important aspect for Rosen this week, Darnold should look to showcase his skill-set in the on-field drills.

Next: Is Odell Beckham Jr. a leader?

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