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.
#35 – Memphis WR Anthony Miller
Miller is a mid-round prospect with upside potential. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound receiver posted back-to-back 1,400-yard receiving seasons in the AAC and scored 40 touchdowns in three years at Memphis. Former NFL receiver Steve Smith says Miller is one of his “favorite prospects coming into the combine.”
#34 – Texas CB Holton Hill
Unless the Giants decide to trade Eli Apple this offseason and move on from Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Big Big seems unlikely to take a conerback in the first-round even if they trade back. Iowa’s Josh Jackson and Ohio State’s Denzel Ward are considered the top two pure corners in this year’s class, but neither is likely to end up with the Giants.
Hill is a mid-round prospect with starting potential. The Longhorns 6-foot-3, 200-pound cornerback has the length and athleticism to succeed at the next level, but interviews with teams will likely be a determining factor in his draft selection. After starting nine games in 2017, Hill was suspended for a violation of team rules.
#33 – Kansas EDGE Dorance Armstong
The Jayhawks 6-foot-4, 246-pound defensive end didn’t live up to expectations in his junior season, but one NFC scouting director believes he will thrive in Indianapolis, via NFL Network.
"“Don’t read too much into that sack total this year. They didn’t really cut him loose this year. I still like the talent and he will help himself at the combine.”"
Armstrong’s ability to play both defensive end in a 4-3 or outside linebacker in a 3-4 front will likely only make him move valuable come April.
#32 – LSU CB Donte Jackson
There are only three defensive backs on this list, but LSU’s 5-foot-11, 175-pound corner is one to keep an eye on, especially at the top of the second-round. Jackson is currently projected to a be a first to second-round draft selection and is coming off another productive season out of Baton Rouge. In three seasons in the SEC, Jackson amassed 110 tackles, 19 passes defended, four interceptions, four tackles for a loss, and one sack.
#31 – Washington State QB Luke Falk
There are seven quarterbacks and 10 offensive linemen on this list. Falk has been on the NFL’s radar since an impressive sophomore season. But his lack of progression through four seasons at Washington State has led to mid-round projections for the 6-foot-4, 225-pound quarterback. Many question whether Falk’s Pac-12 career records in passing yards and passing touchdowns are the result of Mike Leach’s spread offense. Falk will get a chance to showcase his arm against the top quarterback prospects at Lucas Oil Stadium.
#30 – Notre Dame WR Equanimeous St. Brown
It’s no secret that Calvin Ridley is the top receiver in this year’s draft. The G-Men are highly unlikely to use a first-round selection on a receiver, but could look to add depth to the position in the mid-rounds, especially if they move on from Marshall. Brown is a player with plenty of upside potential. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound receiver played in an offense that struggled to move the ball through the air in South Bend and could be a big red zone target for some NFL offense in 2018. He caught 58 passes for 961 yards and scored nine touchdowns when DeShone Kizer was the quarterback at Notre Dame in 2016.
#29 – USC OLB Uchenna Nwosu
Nwosu is being projected anywhere from the second to fourth-round of the draft. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound outside linebacker recorded 11.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, and 13 passes defended in 2017. He could be a strong fit in Bettcher’s defense, as Big Blue transitions to a 3-4 base defense.
#28 – Texas LB Malik Jefferson
Jefferson is built like a prototypical NFL linebacker and can surely boost his draft stock at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Longhorns 6-foot-3, 240-pound linebacker recorded 110 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and four sacks in his junior season before declaring for the draft. He has the talent and skill-set to be an immediate starter at the next level but was unable to live up to high expectations in Austin.
#27 – UTSA EDGE Marcus Davenport
Davenport already made a name for himself at the Senior Bowl last month. He is surely on all 32 NFL teams’ radars this draft season. Through four seasons in Conference USA, the 6-foot-6, 255-pound pass rusher recorded 37.5 tackles for a loss, 21.5 sacks. six forced fumbles, and eight passes defended. The Giants are unlikely to add a pass rusher in the first-round, but Davenport is currently projected to be a borderline first to second-round selection.
#26 – Iowa C James Daniels
The Hawkeyes have multiple offensive linemen garnering attention this draft season, but Daniels is expected to be the first one off the board. The 6-foot-4, 295-pound prospect is considered one of the top two centers in this year’s class and could be off the board by the start of the second-round. The Giants have decisions to make with centers Weston Richburg and Brett Jones this offseason, making Daniels one of the top players to follow at this year’s Scouting Combine.
#25 – Oklahoma State QB Mason Rudolph
NFL draft evaluators seem to be split on Rudolph. The Cowboys 6-foot-5, 230-pound quarterback put up monster numbers in the Big 12, but much like Falk, some question whether he’s the product of the system in Stillwater. In his senior year, Rudolph completed 65 percent of his passes for 4,904 yards and threw 37 touchdowns to nine interceptions. He is definitely one of the top quarterbacks to watch during the throwing portion of the combine.
#24 – San Diego State RB Rashaad Penny
The Aztec’s 5-foot-11, 220-pound running back led the FBS in rushing (2,248) in 2017. Penny is likely moving up big boards after putting on a showcase in the Senior Bowl. He picked up 137 yards and scored a touchdown on just 10 touches in the all-star game. He has shown the ability to be a three-down back at the next level.
#23 – Louisville QB Lamar Jackson
The youngest player to ever win the Heisman Trophy had to make this list. Jackson is one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class, and a case for him joining Big Blue can definitely be made. The comparisons to Michael Vick are legitimate. NFL evaluators will want to see him throw side-by-side with the top quarterbacks in this year’s class. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound quarterback is far from a finished product but has huge upside potential at the next level.
#22 – Auburn OG Braden Smith
The Tigers first-team All-American is projected to be a third to fourth-round draft selection but could move up big boards with an impressive outing this week. Pro Football Focus gave Smith their highest grade of any SEC guard this season. The 6-foot-6, 303-pound prospect started 41 consecutive games during his collegiate career.
#21 – USC RB Ronald Jones
Only four running backs make this list, but there will be plenty more on New York’s big board come April. Josh Adams, Sony Michel, Nick Chubb, Royce Freeman, Kerryon Johnson, and Bo Scarbrough are just some of the names to keep an eye on. USC’s 6-foot, 200-pound running back had to crack this list though. Jones amassed 3,921 yards and scored 42 touchdowns in three seasons in the Pac-12 and has drawn comparisons with four-time Pro Bowler Jamaal Charles.
#20 – Alabama LB Rashaan Evans
Alabama has a become a factory for NFL starting linebackers. Evans has the potential to be an immediate starter as a rookie and is expected to come off the board in the first-round. With the No. 2 overall pick, the G-men seem unlikely to select the 6-foot-3, 234-pound linebacker, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be on their big board. The Giants could potentially trade back in the first-round or trade up if they really want Evans. The San Francisco 49ers traded up at the end of the first-round of last year’s draft to select Evans’ former teammate Reuben Foster.
#19 – Western Michigan OT Chukwuma Okorafor
The Broncos 6-foot-6, 330-pound left tackle is definitely a prospect worth keeping an eye on this week. NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein compares him to Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting left tackle Donavan Smith, but also writes that he will have to develop his footwork to be successful at the next level. Gettleman used a second-round pick on Western Michigan prospect Taylor Moton in last year’s draft with the Carolina Panthers.
#18 – Georgia LB Roquan Smith
Smith is considered the top linebacker in this year’s draft class. He’s expected to be an instant impact player at the next level and is highly unlikely to still be on the board at the end of the first-round. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker recorded 137 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, and 6.5 sacks in 2017. New York’s draft positioning makes selecting Smith seem doubtful, but a trade scenario with the Buffalo Bills could potentially make it possible.
#17 – Ohio State C Billy Price
Draft analysts are split on Price and Daniels, as to who is the best center prospect in this year’s class. Both have the ability to be immediate starters in 2018, but Price is arguably more ready to excel at the next level. The Rimington Trophy winner, given to college football’s best center, is expected to shine at the combine, according to one AFC personnel director.
"“Man he is a different kind of guy altogether. Has a lot of edge for sure. Love his toughness and his grit and wait until you see him at the combine. He might hit 40 on the bench and he’s going to run well too.”"
#16 – LSU RB Derrius Guice
Through three seasons in Baton Rouge, Guice averaged 6.5 yards per carry on 471 totes and scored 32 touchdowns. If the Giants elect to pass on Saquon Barkley at No. 2 overall, LSU’s 5-foot-11, 212-pound running back would be a steal at the top of the second-round. He would give Big Blue a dynamic one-two punch alonside Wayne Gallman, but there’s no guarantee he will even make it out of the first-round.
#15 – Ohio State OT Jamarco Jones
The Buckeyes 6-foot-5, 310-pound left tackle is quickly rising up draft analysts’ big boards. Jones has drawn comparisons with former first-round pick Michael Oher, and one NFC scout believes he’s a safer pick than Notre Dame’s Mike McGlinchey, via NFL Network.
"“He has holes like they all do but I think he’s safer than Mike McGlinchey as a pro. Ohio State’s scheme doesn’t give you as many pro-style looks as Notre Dame, but I think he’ll fit in well as a pro.”"
#14 – LSU EDGE Arden Key
Key is going to garner plenty of attention in Indianapolis. The Tigers 6-foot-6, 265-pound edge rusher is a first-round talent, but injuries and a poor junior season could lead to him slipping to the second-round. Key recorded 12.5 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, and two forced fumbles in his sophomore season, and told NFL Network his poor play in 2017 was the result of rushing back from injury. Medical evaluations and interviews will be key for the LSU prospect at the Scouting Combine.
#13 – Georgia OL Isaiah Wynn
The Bulldogs 6-foot-2, 300-pound left tackle is expected to transition to guard at the next level and has already boosted his draft stock with an impressive outing at the Senior Bowl. Wynn won’t compete in on-field events at the Scouting Combine after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum, but interviews and medical evaluations still make the Georgia prospect one of the top players to follow this week.
#12 – UTEP OG Will Hernandez
Zierlein compares UTEP’s second-team All-American with Buffalo Bills four-time Pro Bowler Richie Incognito. Hernandez may not have the ideal length NFL teams look for in a starting guard, but the 6-foot-2, 348-pound prospect has quick feet and incredible strength. He is currently projected to be a first to second-round selection and will likely be starting for an NFL franchise Week 1 of the 2018 season.
#11 – Oklahoma OT Orlando Brown
The Sooners 6-foot-8, 360-pound left tackle earned first-team All-American honors in 2017. Brown has the size and length NFL teams look for in a starting left tackle, but questions about his footwork and athleticism could lead to him sliding in the first-round. He is considered one of the top three offensive tackles in this year’s class. Giants fans will likely be paying close attention to all the tackles at this year’s combine.
#10 – N.C. State DE Bradley Chubb
Chubb is worthy of the No. 2 overall pick, but Big Blue has needs elsewhere. Gettleman could surprise everyone by taking the Wolfpack’s 6-foot-4, 275-pound pass rusher. But with Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon under contract, New York is likely to focus on pass rush later in the draft. Over the past two seasons, Chubb has amassed 44 tackles for a loss, 20 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
#9 – Alabama DB Minkah Fitzpatrick
Just like Chubb, it seems unlikely Big Blue would select Fitzpatrick at No. 2. But that doesn’t mean Alabama’s versatile defensive back isn’t worthy of the selection. Through three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Fitzpatrick recorded 171 tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, 24 passes defended, nine interceptions, five sacks, and four defensive touchdowns. He has the ability to play both cornerback and safety at the next level, which only makes him more valuable.
#8 – Notre Dame OT Mike McGlinchey
NFL draft analysts are split on the Fighting Irish’s 6-foot-8, 312-pound left tackle. He earned Pro Football Focus’ top grade of any offensive tackle in 2017 despite playing for an offense that had no threat of an aerial attack. If the Giants trade back in the first-round, McGlinchey is surely a prospect worth keeping an eye on. Some NFL evaluators believe he’s better suited to play on the right side at the next level.
#7 – Wyoming QB Josh Allen
Allen was unable to live up to expectations in his junior season and visibly struggled against Power Five opponents. The Cowboys 6-foot-5, 233-pound quarterback has a cannon for an arm but questions surround his accuracy and footwork. He completed just 56.2 percent of his passes in the Mountain West Conference and windows will only get tighter at the next level. He plans to throw at the Scouting Combine, making him a must-follow prospect for Big Blue fans this week.
#6 – Texas OT Connor Williams
Williams is the top offensive tackle to watch at the Scouting Combine. He was considered one of the top left tackles in college football entering the 2017 season but was limited to just five games due to a knee injury. At least one NFL personnel executive is still questioning what the Longhorns 6-foot-6, 320-pound prospect will be at the next level, via NFL Network.
"“I heard all about how good he was last year and then I turned on the tape and what I saw wasn’t a first-rounder at all. I can go back to 2016, but who is he now? I have to know who he is and who he’s going to be in three to five years. Scouting is projecting.”"
#5 – Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield
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
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
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
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
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.