The New York Giants had a huge advantage in being able to work with the Senior Bowl prospects this year. They got a firsthand look at some of the top senior college players this past week, with offensive coordinator Mike Kafka leading the National team as the head coach and Giants running backs coach Joel Thomas calling the plays for the American team. The two coaches did a solid job and came away with valuable insight on the prospects.
A lot of players stood out, but let's take a quick look at five names fans should definitely be watching going forward.
1. Minnesota: Aireontae Ersery, OT
Aireontae Ersery is a big tackle out of Minnesota, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 330 lbs. He had a great week of practice and stood out for more than just his size. He showed solid footwork, hand placement, and the ability to anchor in 1-on-1 drills. Ersery made himself some money this week and is moving up draft boards.
The Giants poured resources into the offensive line in free agency last year but still need to invest through the draft. If they can grab Ersery in the second round, they can slot Jermaine Eluemunor inside to guard and kill two birds with one stone. Ersery is pushing for the top tackle spot behind LSU’s Will Campbell and Ohio State’s Josh Simmons. If he continues to build on his strong Senior Bowl performance, he may see his name called in the first round. If he slides to the Giants at the start of the second, they should pounce.
2. Florida St: Azareye'h Thomas, CB
One name that has everyone buzzing is FSU cornerback Azareye’h Thomas. He didn’t play in the game but made more than a name for himself during practice all week. Coaches, execs, and analysts alike have been raving about him.
The 6-foot-2, 200 lb. corner impressed with every rep he took. Whether it was ball drills or 1-on-1 matchups, Thomas dominated. He was fluid, physical, and sticky in coverage, making life miserable for quarterbacks trying to prove themselves.
The Giants desperately need cornerback help. Deonte Banks, Cor’Dale Flott, and Dru Phillips are young pieces, but they need more talent in the room. With veteran Adoree’ Jackson likely gone, they need fresh, young talent for their new secondary coach to develop. While Thomas won’t step in as a CB1 right away, he would add much-needed depth. The issue now is that his draft stock is rising fast, and he might work his way into the first round. Keep a close eye on him.
3. Louisville: Tyler Shough, QB
Tyler Shough is an intriguing name to watch. He won’t be a first-round pick, so Giants fans and coaches don’t have to worry about him going early. However, Shough was arguably the best QB at the Senior Bowl.
He has a long road ahead of him in terms of moving up draft rankings, but this was a strong first step. Teams love his size at 6'5", and his live arm is an asset. His skills translate well to the next level, and while he’s one of the older prospects at 25, his experience is valuable.
Shough won’t be a Day 1 starter, but Kafka got a close look at him and likely saw some intriguing traits. He passed the initial eye test for a lot of teams. If the Giants don’t land one of the top two quarterbacks in the first round, they could sign a veteran in free agency and take Shough in the later rounds. He could sit behind a vet for a year or two and develop. At the very least, he could be a solid long-term backup. Even with the age factor, keep an eye on him.
4. The receivers
Yes, I’m cheating, and I don’t care. Too many wide receivers made a name for themselves to pick just one.
TCU’s Jack Bech raised eyebrows and put himself on the map as an early to mid-round pick. Georgia’s Arian Smith proved himself reliable with strong hands and return ability. Jalen Royals out of Utah State torched defensive backs on the American team, while Xavier Restrepo did the same on the National team, showcasing his separation ability. Iowa State’s dynamic duo of Jaylin Noel and Jaydin Higgins boosted their stock with their speed, hands, and route-running.
The Giants will have chances to grab multiple wide receivers in this draft, and they shouldn’t hesitate. They need to figure out Darius Slayton’s future and will likely add talent in free agency, but free-agent additions should complement what they bring in through the draft. With only Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, and Bryce Ford-Wheaton currently under contract, they will need more weapons. Keep an eye on the WR group.
5. Ole Miss: Jaxson Dart, QB
Jaxson Dart is flying up draft boards. He started the process grouped with names like Jalen Milroe, Dillon Gabriel, and Riley Leonard but quickly separated himself as QB3 in this year’s draft.
Dart has great size, arm talent, and throws with accuracy and anticipation. His draft stock is rising fast, and he needs to keep the momentum going.
NFL teams will continue doing their homework on Dart this offseason. He could thrive in the right system. The Ole Miss product even spoke about Giants legend Eli Manning, which only fueled speculation about New York as a potential landing spot. If the Giants miss out on the top two quarterbacks, fans will have to keep a close eye on Dart’s draft stock.