Tuesday is the Pro Day for Florida State, Notre Dame, and UConn. All 3 schools could have players that the Giants have an interest on draft day.
Florida State has the whole interior of their O-line going in next month’s draft. center Cameron Erving, left guard Josue Matias, and right guard Tre Jackson. And on the other side of the ball they have DT Eddie Goldman and DE Mario Edwards. There are certainly other players that will be at the FSU Pro Day (like their QB), but I think the Giants interest will be along the lines.
IMO, the best run blocking guard in this draft is Tre Jackson. FSU plays an impressive schedule, and Jackson stands out. Not a finesse player, he is 6’4” and 330 pounds and uses every pound on every play. At the combine he didn’t lift, shuttle, or do the 3 cone. It will be interesting to see how he tests. Even though the Giants already have Schwartz and Jerry as true right guards, Jackson’s play is really impressive, perhaps enough so that if drafted, you might see Schwartz on the left side.
Erving played Center this past season after moving from Tackle. His is likely to go at the bottom of Round 1. Matias is a Jersey kid who is huge, but I don’t think he moves very well. If the Giants could get Tre Jackson at #74 in the 3rd, that would be a great value pick.
Goldman is another very solid player that could help the Giants interior, but like Erving, he is also likely to go late in Round 1, and not in a favorable slot for the Giants #40 pick unless there was a trade. Edward is a solid DE, but I think he is likely to go in Round 3. If I had a choice between Jackson or Edwards at #74, I would take Jackson-though that could change depending on what needs the Giants address with their first 2 picks.
At the Notre Dame Pro Day, for me the guy to watch is TE Ben Koyack (nice write up by SY56 earlier today). Koyack was impressive blocking as both an H-Back and inline. He did not work out at the Combine, so tomorrow is huge for him. Perhaps the Giants like him in Round 4. That worked out well a few years back when Notre Dame TE Mark Bavaro was drafted by the Giants in Round 4.
Finally, there is the UConn Pro Day. Cornerback Byron Jones killed it at the Combine in all the skill areas and with the Giants need for a safety, is it possible the Giants see Jones as a future safety? At 6’1” and 200 pounds, its possible. Another possibility on Day 3 is UConn receiver Geremy Davis. Good size at 6’ 2 ½” and 216 pounds. A lot of production in his soph, junior and senior years, but not much mention in a draft loaded at WR.
I attached some Tre Jackson video.
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There are 2 players in this drat, (OG Ali Marpet and Towson's Ryan Delaire), who have actually stated that they are long time Giants fans and hope to be drafted by the New York Giants. Delaire had 11 sacks last year. If the Giants are interested and Delaire is not drafted, he might be a perfect UFDA signing.
Of all the so-called second tier OGs (e.g., Cann, Tomlinson, Kouandjio) I think he by far fits our style of play and needs best.
Too bad, Y28, but I think we'd have to grab him at 40 if we really want him.
Tough spot for us because if we are shut out on Scherff at 9 and wind up picking a WR there, and then pick an OG at 40, our defense is left with slimmer pickings as the draft moves on.
So if Cooper, White or Parker are there and Reese is convinced about greatness it will be a tough decision for him, and likely agonizing for us.
That said, if he's convinced about Jackson, I have no problem taking him at 40 and I wouldn't worry about his 40 time. The guy moves fine on the sweep, and that's the most you'll ever need from him.
So if Cooper, White or Parker are there and Reese is convinced about greatness it will be a tough decision for him, and likely agonizing for us.
That said, if he's convinced about Jackson, I have no problem taking him at 40 and I wouldn't worry about his 40 time. The guy moves fine on the sweep, and that's the most you'll ever need from him.
The redeeming factor here is there will almost certainly be a high level plug and play OL option at 40.
May not be enough here for some who want the 'sexy' OL name but it will be more effective.
Of all the so-called second tier OGs (e.g., Cann, Tomlinson, Kouandjio) I think he by far fits our style of play and needs best.
I think Tre Jackson is the best pure OG in the draft... I would absolutely take him in the 2nd round... If I mock the Giants not taking La'el Collins or Scherff in the first I was take Tre Jackson in the second round.
40 is the most stupid thing to look at when looking at OL. Especially OG... I know the whole pulling thing, but the 40 measures 40 yards of distance. How many times do you see an OL running 40 yards each game. He was the only OL at the SR bowl that went 9 for 9 in one on one battles. Stuffed everyone.
Had Parker played in all 13 games his #'s would have exceeded both White and Cooper.
he ran a 4.45 at the combine but on film is the most explosive player of the 3 after the catch. he high points and attacks the ball as good if not better than White.
I'm not as enamoured with kevin Whites 4.35 at the combine,as I don't see it consistently on film.
I would say that Cooper is more Dynamic then white is IMO,wich cooper showed as a sophomore with a 99 yard touchdown and a 77 yarder last season.
Out of the 3 Amari is definitely the most polished route runner,wich is why I have been going back and forth from Parker to Cooper. I can't seem to decide who my favorite is because of the injury to Parkers foot and Coopers route running. IMO it's that close but I'd probably have to give the edge to Parker,right this second anyway. :)
If I were Picking at 9 there would be no discussion just like last year with OBJ,I'd draft Parker without a 2nd thought if Cooper was gone, or the other way around.
His lift was 20, equally disappointing and far below all the other Combine guards.
I watch the film and I love him, but for a player that had 5 weeks to prepare for today, this is not what I expected. I think it pushes him out of Round 2.
His lift was 20, equally disappointing and far below all the other Combine guards.
I watch the film and I love him, but for a player that had 5 weeks to prepare for today, this is not what I expected. I think it pushes him out of Round 2.
Surprising, but maybe we can get him in the 3rd now? I'm still high on him. He sure never looked lazy in games, so I wonder what led to his awful workout today.
How much did Mario Edwards help himself yesterday? The Giants will need a LDE by 2016 - maybe earlier. Would you consider Edwards at #40? Is it totally out of the question that he might be on the board at #74?