After their worst season in franchise history, the New York Giants could use as much help as possible this offseason, and they'll look at that talent in this year's NFL Draft.
Big Blue may have an advantage over other teams as Giants assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will be the National team's head coach at the 2025 Senior Bowl, where he'll have the opportunity to scout various top college prospects.
The 2025 Senior Bowl will be held on Saturday, February 1st, at Hancock Whitney Stadium, home to the South Alabama Jaguars football program. The game will feature several notable players like Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, Tez Johnson, Walter Nolen, and Ollie Gordon II.
While the American team probably has more notable names than Kafka's National team, both teams have loaded rosters with abundant talent. Kafka is still thrilled to have the opportunity to work with several young, talented players and mentioned many groups that stood out in practice.
It is nice to see the Giants organization have this much representation at this event ahead of the NFL Draft, which I'm sure Joe Schoen and his staff will use to their advantage. You can imagine Schoen would like Kafka in the war room on draft day to provide some extra input on players the Giants' offensive coordinator had the pleasure of getting to know and coach at the Senior Bowl.
Who should the Giants watch at this year's Senior Bowl?
There are prospects on both the American and National teams that the Giants should monitor at this year's Senior Bowl, but a few players will stand out more and catch the attention of Schoen and Big Blue's front office. This is where Kafka coaching the National team helps the Giants even more.
Anthony Belton, OL – NC State (National Team)
North Carolina State offensive lineman Anthony Belton, who will play for the National team, is a player the Giants could pursue in this year's draft. The Giants' offensive line has consistently underperformed year after year.
It may finally be time for New York to move on from Evan Neal, and with Andrew Thomas's injury history, Belton makes sense for the Giants. He is one of the most impressive tackles in this year's draft and would be a massive upgrade on the Giants' offensive line.
Tommi Hill, CB – Nebraska (National Team)
The Giants will also look to improve their secondary this offseason after the underwhelming sophomore campaign of defensive back Deonte Banks. Nebraska cornerback Tommi Hill, who will also play for the National team, could be an option for the Giants in this year's draft.
Hill is a long and athletic cornerback with highly developed ball skills. Like Trevon Diggs, Hill has used his time on offense as a receiver to his advantage on defense. His experience on both ends of the field allows him to pattern-match well in coverage, precisely what the Giants lack in their secondary.
Xavier Restrepo, WR – Miami (National Team)
Lastly, the Giants will look to add to their talented wide receiver core, which includes Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt. With veteran wideout Darius Slayton likely walking in free agency, the Giants will look to fill a void with another young pass catcher. Suppose Slayton does sign elsewhere; this could open the door for a player like Miami wideout Xavier Restrepo, who will play for the National team at the Senior Bowl.
If the Giants draft Cam Ward at No. 3, Restrepo could have the opportunity to play with his college quarterback, which has translated well in the NFL. This season, Ward threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, and Restrepo led Miami in receptions (69), receiving yards (1,127), and touchdowns (11) in 12 games. Could this be the next Joe Burrow-Ja'Marr Chase-like tandem in the NFL?