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7 under-the-radar NY Giants targets to watch at the NFL Combine

Reese Nasser
Reese Nasser

GMEN HQ

Nov 19, 2022; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Tank Bigsby (4) runs through a hole during the third quarter against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 NFL Combine is finally upon us. With that being said, Joe Schoen and the New York Giants will once again look to find future stars in Indianapolis. How the Giants will approach the 2023 NFL Draft is still very much unknown. With the No. 26 overall pick, they will look to add a player who will instantly produce.

But in a draft class loaded with talent, they will also look to add elite players on Day 2 and Day 3. With that being said, here are seven under-the-radar players the Giants must watch at the NFL Combine:

7. Tulane RB Tyjae Spears

With Saquon Barkley’s future in New York still undecided, the Giants could look to address the running back position. Luckily for this front office, this year’s running back class is loaded with talent. If the Giants are looking to make a move later in the draft, they could have their selection of talented ball carriers. This includes Tulane’s Tyjae Spears.

Following a breakout campaign in 2021, Spears was one of the nation’s most dominant running backs in 2022. Over 14 games, he rushed for 1,581 yards and 19 touchdowns. Through the air, he also played a role in the offense. In total, he recorded 22 receptions for 256 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Through his four seasons at Tulane, Spears proved to be one of the most versatile running backs in the country. Based on his skillset, he should be able to produce immediately at the next level. If the Giants do bring back Barkley, Spears could be the perfect player to share the backfield with him.

There’s a lot of buzz around Spears heading into the Combine and he has surely seen his stock rise. He won’t be a Day 1 pick, but NY supporters should definitely keep an eye on him during the middle rounds.

AUBURN, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 19: Running back Tank Bigsby #4 of the Auburn Tigers runs the ball by defensive back Rome Weber #5 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 19: Running back Tank Bigsby #4 of the Auburn Tigers runs the ball by defensive back Rome Weber #5 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

6. Auburn RB Tank Bigsby

Auburn’s Tank Bigsby could also be another running back that the Giants keep an eye on at the  Combine. During his three collegiate seasons, Bigsby was a force in the Auburn backfield. Through his 35 appearances, he recorded 2,903 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns on 540 total touches. Through the air, he added 62 receptions for 448 receiving yards.

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Since his freshman season in 2020, Bigsby consistently managed to produce for the Auburn offense. While appearing in at least 10 games in each season, he never recorded less than 800 rushing yards. In addition, he reached the end zone 10 times in two seasons, while also surpassing 1,000 yards from scrimmage during this stretch.

With the addition of Bigsby, the Giants could add a potential RB1 to their offense. If he can play at the level that many expect him to, he could be a star at the next level. All eyes are on Saquon this offseason to see what will end up happening.

However, the G-Men could end up needing a new star for the offense sooner than later. Bigsby could end up being that guy. He has all the tools to be a brilliant playmaker at the next level and someone like Mike Kafka would surely love to use his skills every Sunday. Imagine Bigsby in a Big Blue jersey – he’d look great in one.

Nov 5, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Tyler Scott (21) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Navy Midshipmen in the first half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Tyler Scott (21) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Navy Midshipmen in the first half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

5. Cincinnati WR Tyler Scott

Wide receiver will also be a point of emphasis for this Giants offense in the offseason. With Kenny Golladay more than likely on his way out, Darius Slayton now a free agent, and the recent void contract for Sterling Shepard, this team must add depth to the position.

A player such as Cincinnati’s Tyler Scott could be an intriguing option later in the draft. With a strong outing at the Combine, Scott could fly up draft boards. And based on what he has shown so far, he could end up being one of the biggest surprises.

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In his final season at Cincinnati, Scott proved to be one of the most versatile pass-catchers in the nation. In just 12 games he managed to set career highs across the board. Scott finished his 2022 season recording 54 receptions for 899 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.

With his game-changing speed, Scott was a go-to option in the Bearcats passing attack. He was able to stretch the field in a way that elevated the offense. By adding him to the offense, the Giants could gain a game-changing pass catcher. This kid has serious wheels and solid hands. He’d be a great new option for Daniel Jones.

Dec 29, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (17) makes a Cath against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half in the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (17) makes a Cath against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half in the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

4. Oklahoma WR Marvin Mims Jr.

Throughout his three seasons at Oklahoma, wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. proved to be a key component in the Sooners offense. Now with his sights set on the NFL, he appears ready to make the same impact at the next level.

During his Oklahoma tenure, Mims took the field in a total of 37 games. In that time, he recorded 123 receptions for 2,398 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. In his final season, Mims played arguably the best football of his collegiate career. While taking the field 13 games, he recorded 54 receptions for 1,083 receiving yards and six TDs.

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With the addition of Mims, the Giants would be adding a wide receiver who can stretch the field, and make plays with the ball in his hands. While he isn’t the biggest receiver, he can win down the field. He can also make plays after the catch, which is something that this offense is in need of.

Throughout the 2022 campaign, we saw just how unreliable the WRs room was for Jones and Kafka. Had it not been for the addition of Isaiah Hodgins, who knows how good the offense could have been in pressure situations last season. A game-changing WR is needed for this offense. Keep an eye on Mims.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 01: DeMarvion Overshown #0 of the Texas Longhorns tackles Justin Johnson Jr. #26 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 01, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 01: DeMarvion Overshown #0 of the Texas Longhorns tackles Justin Johnson Jr. #26 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 01, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

3. Texas LB DeMarvion Overshown

There are several linebackers that the Giants could have their eye on at the combine, but DeMarvion Overshown could prove to be the most intriguing. Overshown arrived at Texas in 2018 as a safety. But following two seasons, and just six total games played, he made the move to linebacker.

After changing positions, Overshown found his spot within the defense. Now three years later, he looks to be one of the most versatile defenders in this year’s linebacker class. Over the past three seasons, Overshown played in 33 games. In total, he recorded 230 total tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and seven total sacks.

He was also effective against the passing game, recording two interceptions and 14 defended passes over this stretch. With his experience at both linebacker and in the secondary, Overshown could play a key role in the Giants defense immediately. He has consistently shown that he can make plays anywhere on the field, and has a proven knack for finding the ball.

Iowa defensive back Riley Moss (33) lines up against Northwestern wide receiver Donny Navarro III (80) during a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.221029 Northwestern Iowa Fb 014 Jpg
Iowa defensive back Riley Moss (33) lines up against Northwestern wide receiver Donny Navarro III (80) during a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.221029 Northwestern Iowa Fb 014 Jpg

2. Iowa CB Riley Moss

During his five seasons at Iowa, cornerback Riley Moss developed into a reliable option on an already elite defense. Moss took the field in 33 total games during his collegiate career. In total, he recorded 158 total tackles, 11 interceptions, 26 defended passes, two forced fumbles, and five tackles for loss.

In his final season, Moss appeared in 13 total games. He finished the year recording 47 total tackles, 31 solo tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, 11 defended passes, and two forced fumbles.

https://twitter.com/BigTenNetwork/status/1591562680514465792?s=20

At 6-1 and 194 pounds, Moss has the size to line up across any receiver. During the Senior Bowl, he also proved that he has the sort of speed that could allow him to be a game-changer in the secondary.  For a Giants cornerback room in need of depth, Moss could be just what they are looking for.

Based on what he showed during his collegiate career, he could quickly make an impact somewhere on this team. The Giants need depth across the board on defense, but the secondary and linebacker will be a focus. Moss could end up being a steal for the 2023 NFL Draft if the Giants end up taking him.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 19: Jammie Robinson #10 of the Florida State Seminoles looks on during the second half of a game against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 19: Jammie Robinson #10 of the Florida State Seminoles looks on during the second half of a game against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

1. FSU S Jammie Robinson

During his four collegiate seasons, Jammie Robinson put together a solid resume. In his first two campaigns, which were spent at South Carolina, he appeared in 22 games. Over this stretch, he recorded 135 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and eight defended passes.

Following his transfer to Florida State in 2021, Robinson managed to take his game to a new level. Over his final 25 collegiate games, he recorded 183 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five interceptions, eight defended passes, and two forced fumbles.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1620891384805994496?s=20

Upon his arrival at Florida State, Robinson became a key playmaker throughout the entire defense. He often moved between both the secondary and linebacker, while making plays in both areas. Fans in Tallahassee loved him, as he was known for making some sensational plays for his coaches.

While he hasn’t recorded many interceptions, he has still proven that he is more than capable of holding his own. If the Giants are in search of a versatile defensive back, Robinson could be just the guy that they’re looking for. Who better to coach him up than defensive coordinator Wink Martindale? We like Robinson’s potential a lot.

Reese Nasser

Reese Nasser

Contributing Writer-GMENHQ and Stripe Hype