Forget the size and obvious athletic ability. Forget ACC Player of the Year. Forget the 34 TDs and 2500 yards in 2 seasons. Forget all that.
Watch this documentary and see the young man. See the family structure behind him. See the courage. See the battler. That is what makes him a NY Giant. All day.
I watched this doc and saw my son who is mixed race and it brought me to tears. If my son has half of this young man's class and heart, he'll be a winner in life.
James Conner is a WINNER. Period. Dot.
That literal 'never say die' attitude is infectious. I believe that. My best friend and former business partner survived Hodgkin's Lymphoma and is here because he is a battler. A survivor. I know what it takes because I've seen it first hand.
James Conner in the 3rd round breaks the Reese 3rd round 'curse'.
Do it, Jerry. Conner is a winner. Both on and off the football field.
Pitt RB James Conner Makes Triumphant Return After Beating Cancer (Full Feature HD) - (
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I like Conner and his story but he has his limitations. I wish him the best.
One guy that can be looked to as someone that has maintained his level of play is Eric Berry.
I like Conner and his story but he has his limitations. I wish him the best.
One guy that can be looked to as someone that has maintained his level of play is Eric Berry.
Don't assume, robbie. This kid has 'it'! He will be our next Jacobs.
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He was not the same player after the cancer. Herzlich was being talked about as a first rounder and one of the best LB prospects.
I like Conner and his story but he has his limitations. I wish him the best.
One guy that can be looked to as someone that has maintained his level of play is Eric Berry.
Don't assume, robbie. This kid has 'it'! He will be our next Jacobs.
'
He's much more comparable to Leveon Bell than Jacobs, but he is one of my favorite players in this draft.
Not enough speed, not enough agility or quickness in his cuts. Don't really see great vision, he'll take what's there. I think he's going to be a short yardage specialist at the NFL level. I do hope he proves me wrong, though. There are a lot of other guys at RB I'd like before Conner.
He is already a winner though and has a Champion's heart.
Would love to have him though.
Herzlich did not come back to play in the NCAA after cancer treatment. Conner returned and came back as the same player he was before.
But I wouldn't draft a player because he's an inspiring young man anymore than because he's a dirt bag. I can't disagree very much with Sy's evaluation. I think he's a boom or bust prospect. And while Boylhart compares him to Franco Harris, I don't think we should hold it against him.
The best reason I can think of for the Giants to draft Conner is that I think he will likely go late into the draft, maybe even become an UDFA due to both concerns about illness and injury, and the nature of his play. At that point, he could be a fantastic value because of his potential ceiling.
Herzlich did not come back to play in the NCAA after cancer treatment. Conner returned and came back as the same player he was before.
I believe Herzlich had part of a bone removed and replaced with a titanium rod. (Performance enhancing substance? ;-)
Conner suffered from Hodgkin's Lymphoma. In the '80s, Giants tackle Karl Nelson suffered from Hodgkins Disease, was treated for the disease for a year, and then returned and played well for the Giants. I don't know if it's the same disease but suspect, if not. they may be related. I.e., we can hope James Conner will stay healthy. But I still wouldn't spend a high pick on him.
It's a very deep draft.
Conner's athletic profile is not in line with what the giants usually look for in a drafted RB.
Signing Conner as UDFA sounds best to me.
He's a North/South runner which is something we do need and would complete a new Earth/Wind/Fire.
...he's a very fine young man who has overcome adversity,
but as running back in the NFL, I really don't want to spend a draft pick on James Conner.
He shows a lot of nice things on the field, including a certain one-step elusiveness and the ability to break tackles and move the pile on contact.
But me no like his overall running style. James Conner may have decent speed -- especially for a guy pushing into the size range of Brandon Jacobs -- but that speed does not occur quickly!!! He's a build up sorta speed guy.
But more to the point, he stands WAY too straight up when he takes a hand-off and he gets to the line of scrimmage in lumbering fashion.
Would be a nice Free Agent pick-up.
Shiftier and faster than people think. High character and work ethic. Looks a like a keeper to me. And with our third round history, I'd take a shot here. Maybe even trade back and pick up an extra late rounder to use on a kicker or two.