Next week at the Combine, the 3 runners with the fastest 40 time will each be given a Porsche 911 Carrera, each valued at $83,000 and courtesy of Adidas sports.
A pretty nice gift, but unfortunately, the fastest college player who will be drafted this year won't be at the Combines to compete for one of those prizes.
That player is running back Corey Grant of Auburn. Grant has had a college career that just never materialized as planned. He started out at Alabama, following a spectacular high school career. After a year at Alabama, he agreed to sit out for an entire year, so that he could transfer to Auburn.
While he had some highlight reel plays, he primarily was a change of pace for Tre Mason, rather than their every down back. Grant averaged an amazing 9.8 yards per carry in 2013, good for 647 yards.
2014 was expected to be different, but most of the carries went to Cameron Artis-Payne. Grant finished the year with 364 yards on 60 carries and 10 receptions for another 92 yards. While Grant was Auburn's top kickoff returner, he just wasn't featured as expected in their offense.
Though most draft boards don't show Grant in the top 20 of running backs, there is no doubt he will be drafted. The Auburn Pro Day is March 3rd. There is YouTube video of him running the 40 in 4.18. Looking at any game video of Grant, the similarities to David Wilson are there.
Corey Grant is a very intelligent, well grounded player. He has NFL size at 5'11 and 205 lbs. Lightening quick and perhaps that change of pace back needed to offset Jennings, Williams, and Darkwa.
In the upcoming draft, this very classy kid will not be taken in Rounds 1-4. But some team is going to get a talented very explosive 3rd running back in either Round 5,6, or 7 that will add a true speed dimension to their offense. Mark down March 3rd and the Auburn Pro Day. That's when the draft talk buzz starts for Auburn running back Corey Grant.
Any Auburn or SEC fans know why this guy didn't get more of an opportunity in '14? While the freak speed is always enticing, if the guy is not a football player he is certainly not a useful pro (remember Tim Carter)?
I haven't seen this kid you've mentioned but he sounds intriguing. Our scouting department is one of the most thorough in the business. If he has a good grade he'lol be in the mix too for sure
A frequent comment re. Reese's supposed acumen, but Bradshaw was widely considered a 2nd or 3rd round talent and very conspicuously dropped to 7th because of his off-field shenanigans (iirc, stealing a dorm mate's DVD player). I credit Reese with making the pick after all other teams stayed away, but not with any acumen in turning up gems in low rounds. Whether this has been Reese or Ross primarily, it's been sparse hunting for the Giants since 2007.
Actually he and RB Dee Hart (Colorado State) both were at Alabama and left. They are training together now in Tennessee.
Their isn't an NFL scout that doesn't know who Corey Grant is, and certainly knows more of those answers. Calling him a "find" is inaccurate.
I just think that if he is used properly, he is a guy that every defense needs to account for when he is on the field. I think we have 3 solid running backs, but they are in many ways similar. A guy like Grant might be that perfect change of pace.
A frequent comment re. Reese's supposed acumen, but Bradshaw was widely considered a 2nd or 3rd round talent and very conspicuously dropped to 7th because of his off-field shenanigans (iirc, stealing a dorm mate's DVD player). I credit Reese with making the pick after all other teams stayed away, but not with any acumen in turning up gems in low rounds. Whether this has been Reese or Ross primarily, it's been sparse hunting for the Giants since 2007.
Bradshaw was under 200 pounds and ran a 4.55 40 yard dash and was productive, but at Marshall. And I can't find anything that projected him higher than the 5th round, but maybe I'm missing something.
How many sub 200 pound guys who run 4.55 40 yard dashes go in the first three rounds though? Very few.
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Bradshaw apparently had a ~4th round grade, iirc.
Quote:
"Reese has been fairly adept at unearthing the under the radar players especially at Running Back. Bradshaw, Jacobs as prime examples."
A frequent comment re. Reese's supposed acumen, but Bradshaw was widely considered a 2nd or 3rd round talent and very conspicuously dropped to 7th because of his off-field shenanigans (iirc, stealing a dorm mate's DVD player). I credit Reese with making the pick after all other teams stayed away, but not with any acumen in turning up gems in low rounds. Whether this has been Reese or Ross primarily, it's been sparse hunting for the Giants since 2007.
Bradshaw was under 200 pounds and ran a 4.55 40 yard dash and was productive, but at Marshall. And I can't find anything that projected him higher than the 5th round, but maybe I'm missing something.
How many sub 200 pound guys who run 4.55 40 yard dashes go in the first three rounds though? Very few.
Bradshaw from what I remember, was an intriguing prospect but without the superior measurables and from a smaller school. Throw in the character red flags and no team wanted him. Giants did their thorough search (which they usually do with players with talent that pique their interest) and from what I understand, spoke to and found him to be remorseful & ready to turn the page from his past mistakes.
He was a bit of a find in that he wasn't a kid likely top go top 3 even without the character stuff.
CJ Spiller
Roy Helu
Daren McFadden
Ryan Matthews
Antone Smith
Jacquizz Rodgers
These guys have injury issues, but they might come at a good price. A guy like Matthews could be good if the Giants use him correctly, not try to make him a workhorse like SD did. He clearly doesn't have the durability for that, but maybe he would be good as a 10-touch per game guy.
NFL FAs by Position - ( New Window )
But it gets under my skin to ballyhoo Reese as such a talent picker when the Giants' drafts have been so-unproductive (hits and misses @2nd and below that, a wasteland, by and large).
My opinion is that he was a much better scout--and AB may have come in on his radar before being annointed as EA's successor) than he is a GM. Maybe he's hired the wrong director of college scouting.
But it gets under my skin to ballyhoo Reese as such a talent picker when the Giants' drafts have been so-unproductive (hits and misses @2nd and below that, a wasteland, by and large).
My opinion is that he was a much better scout--and AB may have come in on his radar before being annointed as EA's successor) than he is a GM. Maybe he's hired the wrong director of college scouting.
He was one of the best scouts I know. But I also think he is a great GM. Reese stayed very involved with the top pick throughout (we really haven't missed there) and I do believe he was more involved last year with the draft lower rounds (as much as a his full GM duties would allow).
I am not a huge Ross fan to be honest.
I tend to blame an evaluator more when a pick busts due to lack of talent more than character or injury. Reese has nailed a bunch of guys who have legit NFL talent but injuries are what did many of them in.
With Williams in the fold, I want one with some sneaky good pass catching potential come round 2 or later.
One of the most well rounded backs who could be available round 4 or 5. Patty seems to think he could go undrafted but I think he's got too good production and tape not to get picked up in the draft. Not a burner but could be a better version of Jennings.
I haven't seen this kid you've mentioned but he sounds intriguing. Our scouting department is one of the most thorough in the business. If he has a good grade he'lol be in the mix too for sure
I expect a later round pick, Marcus Murphy, to get a shot in NY.
You want to use all the picks on lineman? The team needs to get younger ,faster and more explosive. Over paying for a free agent RB will not help this team as much long term as finding a good change of pace back in the 2nd to 4th round
CJ Spiller
Roy Helu
Daren McFadden
Ryan Matthews
Antone Smith
Jacquizz Rodgers
These guys have injury issues, but they might come at a good price. A guy like Matthews could be good if the Giants use him correctly, not try to make him a workhorse like SD did. He clearly doesn't have the durability for that, but maybe he would be good as a 10-touch per game guy. NFL FAs by Position - ( New Window )
completely agree
Johnson is a all-around back, who can pass block and catch passes. His only drawback is his size, which is listed at 5"9' and 209 #. For that reason I do not see him as an every-down back, because it would probably wear him down, but it seems to me that he would be a perfect change of pace from power backs like Jennings and Williams. who are what the Giants have now.
For some reason, perhaps his size, he is only rated #5 RB by some experts and so might still be available in the third or even fourth round. Have any of you seen him, and if so what is your opinion?
One of the most well rounded backs who could be available round 4 or 5. Patty seems to think he could go undrafted but I think he's got too good production and tape not to get picked up in the draft. Not a burner but could be a better version of Jennings.
She's nuts if she believes that.
I would love to see David Johsnon with the Giants. He reminds me a lot of Le'Veon Bell.
DeAngelo Williams: Panthers said they plan to release me