Tonight’s College Football Playoff Championship Game features two of the premier teams in all of the sport: the Alabama Crimson Tide and Ohio State Buckeyes. There’s a boatload of talent on both teams, but which players should the NY Giants be watching?
The most popular scouting event for National Football League teams takes place tonight, as all eyes will be on the College Football Playoff Championship Game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Alabama Crimson Tide, including those of the NY Giants’ decision makers.
While there are a multitude of different reasons to watch, the allure of your favorite team drafting one of these young studs is near the top of the list.
The Alabama Crimson Tide and Ohio State Buckeyes have been talent pipelines for NFL teams over the league’s history – this year is no different. Each squad features a bevy of potential day one picks, and the NY Giants should have their eyes glued to the screen.
NY Giants’ general manager Dave Gettleman stressed one thing over all in his season-ending press conference: play-makers. It’s a very real possibility that we’ll see one of these Crimson Tide or Buckeye receivers catching touchdowns from Daniel Jones next season.
Let’s take a look at the players that Giants’ decision makers and fans alike should have their eyes on tonight:
Alabama’s offense
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama: Waddle was supposed to be the number one receiver in the Crimson Tide’s offense, but an ankle injury cost him a majority of his season. He’s still as dynamic as any receiver in the nation, including his Heisman winning teammate, DeVonta Smith. He can be a game changer in the National Football League, as well as instantly becoming the best playmaker the NY Giants have had at receiver since Odell Beckham Jr. Waddle will be a top eleven pick in the draft, it’s just a matter of which receiver, if any, makes it to the Giants.
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama: The Heisman Trophy winner is my personal favorite when it comes to receivers in this year’s draft. Since putting himself on the map by catching the game winning touchdown in overtime to beat Georgia in the 2018 National Championship, all he’s done is perform. His 105 catches, 1,641 yards and 20 touchdowns is one of the great stat lines for a receiver in college football history. Smith has fantastic hands, runs crisps routes, and has game-breaking speed. He’s a threat to take it to the house every single time he catches the ball. NY Giants’ fans remember how Odell Beckham Jr. had that very same ability – an ability they’ve been searching for since his departure.
Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama:
Could Dave Gettleman get another hog molly in the first round? Alex Leatherwood manned the left tackle position this season for the Crimson Tide, and he helped quarterback Mac Jones have the best season in school history. The unanimous first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC pick could help bookend the offensive line for years to come with another former SEC player in last year’s first round pick, Andrew Thomas. While I don’t expect the Giants to draft Leatherwood, it all depends on how comfortable the Giants are with Matt Peart slotting in at RT next season.
Alabama’s defense
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama: Aside from their pass rush, the Giants’ defense sorely needed a CB2 this season. When put into the starting lineup, Corey Ballentine, Ryan Lewis and Isaac Yiadom proved that the hole is glaring. Patrick Surtain II is as lockdown as a corner can be in college football – winning almost every award available to him while becoming the best corner in this draft. He may not make it to 11, but if he’s there, it’ll be tough for the Giants to not put another high-level corner across from their own shutdown corner in James Bradberry.
Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama: Moses is one of the most interesting prospects in this year’s draft. Seemingly destined to be a first round pick since he stepped football on campus, it’s a sure thing right now. Moses is the leader of the Crimson Tide’s defense, and does almost everything well – but where he struggles is pass coverage. Today’s NFL requires linebackers to cover more than ever, with offenses using tight ends and running backs as key members of the passing games. If Moses can improve in that area, any team that drafts him is getting a steal. He could be available with the Giants’ second round pick, and combining him with Blake Martinez could pay dividends for them.
Ohio State standouts
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State: The Giants obviously watched their fair share of Ohio State football last season, as they signed both Binjimen Victor and Austin Mack to their practice squad this season – the latter even being a member of the active roster. While Victor and Mack are fine players, Chris Olave was and is the play-maker at Ohio State. He has the size, route running and ability to step in and make an instant impact at the next level. Olave arguably leads the second tier of receivers, following Waddle, Smith and LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase. He may not be there in round two, but it’d be tough to pass on him if he is.
Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State: Has Ohio State become DBU? With six buckeye defensive backs drafted in the first round over the last five years, Shaun Wade has a chance to become the next. Wade has proven to be versatile, as Ohio State used him all over the field – covering wide receivers, tight ends and running backs. Wade has struggled a bit while playing the outside, and he may get exposed a bit against the Crimson Tide. If he can help shut down Alabama’s offense, it’ll do wonders for his draft stock. Wade may not fit where the Giants are selecting, but if he falls a bit or the Giants trade back, he could be in the conversation.
Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State: Wyatt Davis originally opted out of the 2020 season, but after returning to Ohio State when the Big 10 decided to play their season, Davis has been a revelation. He became the 33rd player in Ohio State’s history to be an All-American, adding to the impressive resume he now boasts. Davis may be exactly what the Giants are looking for at guard – a smart, athletic player who can do it all. If they’re looking for a replacement for veteran Kevin Zeitler or a young guard to pair with Shane Lemieux, Davis is more than capable.
Trey Sermon, RB, Ohio State: If we learned one thing this year, it’s that the Giants need depth behind their superstar running back, Saquon Barkley. Trey Sermon has risen up draft boards after his blistering performances in the Big 10 Championship and College Football Playoff Semi-Finals against Clemson, running wild for 331 yards and 193 yards in each respective game. If the Giants decide to let Wayne Gallman test free agency, they’ll have to be in the market for a running back – Sermon could fill that hole. He’s most likely a day three pick this April, which is most likely the area where the Giants would fill that need.