All of Sy's position reviews focus on the top players, as they obviously should. But as I read through them I'm reminded that there are other prospects I like who can do SOME things really well, but who correctly aren't discussed among those top players.
These players, if they get a shot, come into the league as late picks or UDFA's. Such players can be vital to every team's success. An example that comes to mind is Chase Blackburn, a limited athlete who nonetheless was critical to the Giants Championship run. Decimated at LB, he stiffened a sagging Giants D.
I'm going to name two prospects I'd like to see and why, and would like to learn who else anyone likes in this category. Don't know if either of these guys will make it to UDFA status, which they'll have to do to be considered by the Giants because as of now they lack a 6th and 7th.
1. JORDAN CHUNN, RB, Troy - A power RB who's very good at short yardage, but who has a big upside to do more. Good 3rd down option who can catch and block. Was a feature RB in school, but isn't quick or fast by NFL standards and will likely have to earn his way a role player if he sticks.
I see such a player as being particularly valuable for the Giants. I don't know that either of the two new larger RB's, despite their bulk, are particularly good at short yardage. And this is and has been a need, and continues to be irrespective of whether the Giants take a feature RB high. You don't necessarily want to see Barkley running into a wall at the goal line.
2. DYLAN CANTRELL, WR, Texas Tech - A football magnet with some of the best hands to come out of college. Huge 6'5" study frame and very athletic. Uses those abilities to box out and out jump defenders. Also a great blocker. Not bad long speed, but doesn't get much separation now, which is why he'll likely go late. Should develop into a super tough, prototypical possession receiver. And I love those guys. If he hangs around late enough into the draft, I wouldn't be surprised to see Belichick exploit his special skill set.
One of the first players signed by DG after his hiring was RB Jalen Simmons. Simmons was an UDFA that was invited to an after draft tryout by DG, and eventually signed by Carolina.
He didn't make the final roster, but opened eyes with his play.
Its interesting that Simmons played for small school South Carolina State. DG had LB Darius Leonard of South Carolina in for an official visit a few weeks back.
I included some Simmons video from his college days.
Link - ( New Window )
You could get your wish! His was one of the Giants' Combine meetings, and since they also had a private meeting with RB Penny, seems likely they're interested in looking to add some kick return ability. Penny is possibly a early mid-round prospect, and I think Hines might not be too far behind as he's received plenty of attention from 12 other teams.
Jack Cichy and Leon Jacons are two inside backers that would make valuable depth and special teams guys that could develop into starters.
One of the first players signed by DG after his hiring was RB Jalen Simmons. Simmons was an UDFA that was invited to an after draft tryout by DG, and eventually signed by Carolina.
He didn't make the final roster, but opened eyes with his play.
Its interesting that Simmons played for small school South Carolina State. DG had LB Darius Leonard of South Carolina in for an official visit a few weeks back.
I included some Simmons video from his college days. Link - ( New Window )
I like Simmons. After he was added to the roster, his height/weight combination suggested to me he might make a good short yardage specialist. But when I watched his video I was surprised, instead a saw a RB who despite being shorter and stocky had excellent long speed. But I didn't see a short yardage power back.
Thanks! Good little RB!
Highlight Video - ( New Window )
Bo Scarbrough; he can play the "Brandon Jacobs" role.
Bo Scarbrough; he can play the "Brandon Jacobs" role.
I like Scarbrough too. He's old school! But I think he'll probably go somewhere between the late 3rd & 5th.
I guess the Giants might see Stewart as their short yardage RB if he has enough left. He's certainly a pro and he's got the right build for it.
Among the RB's with whom the Giants are reported to have met, quite a few are smaller and have kick return skills. So I wouldn't be surprised to see them head that way either.
Tomlinson/Harrison/Payne or Vea
Rotate Lotulele / Settle and the roster OLBs depending on D/D.
;-)
Gotta figure in a 3/4 you probably want 6 on roster including at least 4 with legit DT power.
But both guys have had a weight problem which Settle worked on but Lotulelei didn't. And it's likely Settle will be gone by the 3rd, and possibly much sooner.
The Giants are reported to have met with 5 DT's -
Curtis Cothran, DT, Penn State
Poona Ford, DT, Texas
Justin Jones^, DT, N.C. State
Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
Vita Vea, DT/3-4DE/NT, Washington
So I assume they have an interest. Of those they spent a private meeting on Shepherd and Vea. I would suspect Vea may be a target in the event of a trade down.
Quote:
Absolutely lit up Pro Day. Tremendous production as a runner, receiver, and kick returner.
Thanks! Good little RB! Highlight Video - ( New Window )
You're welcome. Caught my attention with the Pro Day numbers then looked at the highlight film. I do believe, like Bill Parcells, that production as a returner in college does translate to being a returner in the NFL.
Quote:
In comment 13926640 Mike in NY said:
Quote:
Absolutely lit up Pro Day. Tremendous production as a runner, receiver, and kick returner.
Thanks! Good little RB! Highlight Video - ( New Window )
You're welcome. Caught my attention with the Pro Day numbers then looked at the highlight film. I do believe, like Bill Parcells, that production as a returner in college does translate to being a returner in the NFL.
The Giants are reported to have met with several RB's who can return. And just because Cannon wasn't mentioned, doesn't means that the Giants aren't looking at him.
Ryan Nall, RB, Oregon St.
Byron Pringle, WR, Kansas St.
Daurice Fountain, WR, Northern Iowa
Patrick Morris, C, TCU
OC James Daniels (ten year starter)
WR Christian Kirk (big play guy)
FS Justin Reid (special talent)
HB Rashaad Penny (brings excitement to the game)
WR Michael Gallup (does it all so easily)
DT Tim Settle (scary upside)
TE Mark Andrews (most ready TE)
LB Josh Sweat (still developing)
OC Frank Ragnow (still growing)
TE Ian Thomas (day one player)
WR Anthony Miller (foot injury)
OL Branden Smith (very good size)
HB Royce Freeman (underrated)
WR Antiono Callaway (big gamble on character not talent)
QB Riley Ferguson (gets no respect)
TE Jordan Thomas (needs a year in the NFL to develop)
Gods above and below just get us some of four or five of these guys.
Had a fabulous interview on NFL Network. Can do a lot of things.
Jack Cichy and Leon Jacobs are two inside backers that would make valuable depth and special teams guys that could develop into starters.
And Justin Wilcox (now HC at Cal) added his wrinkle. That D has been top 5 for a couple of years.
I would think both Cichy and Jacobs will get drafted. Cichy may slip out cause of injury history. Both have tremendous cielings, IMO.
I'd love them in Blue.
Don't know where a FB fits in the 'new' offense, but Badger FB Austin Ramesh has multiple tools.