The following is my perspective, insight, and commentary about the upcoming NFL football draft and its prospects. It is written from the perspective of what I would do as the New York Giant General Manager. It is not a prediction of what the Giant front office will do, but rather what I would do. The player assessments of course are applicable for any football team.
1st Round
2 Malik Nabers, WR, 6’0” 200 4.4.0 LSU
1/17/24 The conversation about Darius Slayton as being a WR1 or not persists. There are those who believe that if the OL was better, and if the QB was better, Slayton’s numbers would be better as well. Slayton improved this year to a career best in receiving yards, as well as reducing the number of balls dropped (3) for the season. And there are those who believe that Slayton is essentially a good WR2. Nabers is a WR1.
This past year he had 89 receptions for 1,569 yards. That is 17.6 yards a catch. LSU put Nabers out wide and essentially said, “go beat your man.” And that is what Nabers did. Good hands and good ability to go up and get the ball. Too often he had to wait for the ball, but still was able to beat the cornerback or safety. It wouldn’t be that simple on the next level. But a big-time prospect.
3 Amarius Mims. RT, 6’7” 340 Georgia
2/29/24 The question is still; how far up will he go? Good player.
2/19/24 Mims has 35” arms. I am moving up from the 2nd half of the 1st round to somewhere between 10 and 16. A good tackle.
1/19/24 After watching some tape, I was shocked to see that Mims is 6’7” and 340 pounds. Because the first thing I see is footwork. The current NYG RT has poor footwork, bends at the waist and is too often out of position. Mims is totally different. One sees footwork, and one see balance. And able to do these things at that size? Impressive. Mims only played in seven games this year, due to injuries.
The only other negative is when Mims puts both of his hands on his thigh, one immediate knows that the play is going to be a pass. But that can be corrected. Able to switch off with teammates and respond to stunts, Mims is such a pleasant surprise. Is he a 1st round talent? Yes. Is he a Top 10 prospect, probably not.
6. Rome Odunze, WR 6’3” 215 4.34 Washington
3/15/24 I have watched so much of Odunze, I should at least make an entry. Give Harrison the top WR billing. I’m okay with that. Odunze is so impressive. Speed, ability to come down with contested balls, his work ethic. There was video of him working his 3-cone drill at the Combine, long after everyone was gone. Just working it.
The NFL channel taped it, once they realized that he was just working. A very pregnant Jamie Erdahl trying to get the attention of the camera man to run the camera. But having that work ethic. Again, very impressive.
2/2/24 I watched a little bit more of Odunze. I like him. He can be an elite WR1.
1/26/24 I have watched some Nabers as well as Coleman. I will have to go back and look at both again. In watching Odunze, I get excited immediately by the possibilities. I see him in crossing patterns, and yes, he can play on the outside, although not used as frequently as Nabers was on the outside. 87 catches for 1,553 yards (17.9 average) are good indicators of production. Utilized on end-arounds as well, Odunze’s speed instantly is a stressor for any defense. Odunze fits into the Giant trend of upgrading team speed, and is a top 10 draft prospect.
7. Drake Maye, QB 6’4” 230 North Carolina
1/26/24 The elephant in the room. Do the Giants take a quarterback to replace Daniel Jones, who is in the early stages of a huge multi-year contract. Maye has NFL QB size and an elite arm. He seems to rely frequent on that arm, as many of his arms are thrown off the back foot. He reminds me somewhat of Josh Allen. Allen, who did not have a high completion rate in college (sub 60%, perhaps something like 57%) still goes through stretches of turnovers due to bad mechanics and a belief that he can throw into a window of opportunity due to his arm.
Maye is that player. Maye is a redshirt sophomore and does not have that much experience. There is a correlation between college experience at quarterback and NFL success. Anthony Richardson seemed to be an outlier this year to that equation; Maye is not nearly as athletic as Richardson. Unlike Allen, Maye when rolling out does not particularly seem interested in pulling down the ball and running with the ball. Two sides to look at that: chance of less hits and therefore less injuries, the negative is that Maye is not really an RPO fit.
9. JJ McCarthy, QB 6’3” 205 Michigan
2/9/24 McCarthy played in an offense that was a run first offense. That being said, he completed over 72% of his passes with 22 TD and just 4 INTs. Not an NFL offense, as most of the throws are not easy high percentage throws, yet McCarthy completed a high percentage. Tends to run around in the backfield to buy time a little too much.
Sometimes it looks almost like a highlight blooper video, as McCarthy understands that he is a better athlete than the linemen that he is playing against. Hopefully, he will learn real fast in the NFL what he can do and what he can’t do. He is running around to buy time as he looks time to throw down the field. He is not looking to take off and run with the ball.
I could see McCarthy though in a RPO offense. Has a good arm, and there is a lot to like. But he is a little light for RPO. Initially, I like him better than Daniels, Penix, Jr. or Nix. I need to go back and look at all of these again. Where in the 1st round will McCarthy go is of interest.
1st Round (cont)
9. Nate Wiggins, CB 6’2” 185 sub 4.45 Clemson
3/5/24 Injured himself at the Combine, was not able to complete everything. A little set back.
2/13/24 The Giants took Deonte Banks last year in the first round, he was a good selection. He had a good year; he is a starting CB for years to come. Wiggins is as fast, if not faster than Banks. He too is a man press CB. They are so rare. Wiggins is lighter than Banks. There is a clip where Wiggins is covering Keon Coleman on a jump ball. Coleman does not have Wiggins’ speed. The ball was put up for a jump ball, Wiggins was not outmuscled by Coleman. The Giants with so many needs, do not need to spend another 1st round pick on an elite cornerback.
10. Quinyon Mitchell, CB 6’0” 195 4.35 Toledo
3/15/24 Perhaps Mitchell moves up to the middle of the first round.
3/1/24 Ran a 4.33 at the Combine with a 38^ vertical. Outstanding numbers.
2/18/24 Mitchell is similar to Wiggins, Mitchell is a little shorter, and has short arms (31 1/8) arms. Significance is when talking length of a CB, it is not jus height. A good man/press, Mitchell is very similar to Wiggins. Both late 1st round picks.
11. Jayden Daniels, QB, 6’4” 210 LSU
2/26/24 I was watching Brian Thomas today. His game is a vertical game. He plays some from the slot, but very little over the middle. So, it was this year with Daniels. Very little crossing patterns over the middle. Has a really good arm to work the sideline patterns. Completed 72% of his passes this year, most of the plays were down the field to Nabers and Thomas. Not little passes on the line of scrimmage. 40 TD/4 INTs. A big season.
2/21/24 I have been looking at Daniels’ arm. A lot of good throws down the field. Just haven’t seen the crisp over the middle slant plays. Perhaps not in the LSU playbook. Reconsidering Daniels.
1/19/24 Daniels is a top tier quarterback, and I just don’t love him. He seems to want to put the ball down and run with it, as if in doubt. Prefers to take off before looking down the field for a progression read. Not the biggest quarterback, Daniels will get hit and injured when he too often relies on his feet. Also, not in love with the arm. Too many throws on plays less than 20 yards down the field just aren’t crisp and targeted. These are the throws that a team lives on, and it just isn’t there. Too many throws the wide receiver had to stop and wait on the ball. That window of opportunity doesn’t exist in the NFL.
12. Dallas Turner, Edge, 6’4” 245 4.45 Alabama
2/29/24 Ran a 4.47 at the Combine. Did well for himself. Nicely done.
2/22/24 High ceiling. Perhaps the highest of all Edge rushers in this year’s draft. Uses his arm length to keep the blocker from locking onto him, similar to a Von Miller. Some concern that an NFL tackle is too physically strong for him. Also concerned about setting the edge against the run. Offenses should run right at him. So much potential though.
13. Brian Thomas, WR, 6’4” 205 4.47 LSU
3/5/24 Beginning to get the attention he deserves. A terrific player.
2/26/24 Thomas’ best virtue is his ability to attack in the vertical game. Able to line up anywhere on the field. Stacks the press coverage well, and is able to address off-coverage as well. A good player. Daniels had a lot of talent to throw to this past year.
11. Chop Robinson Edge 6’3” 250 4.60 Penn State
2/29/24 Did significantly better than expected. Ran a 4.48. Lifting oneself into a first round consideration. Hereby moved as of today into the first round.
2/17/24 I recognize this. The bend around the corner. I have not seen this elsewhere. Not since K. Mack. How many years ago? Yes, I’m putting Robinson into the second round, he’s not, he is better than that. But I’m hoping that he is available early in the 2nd round. The bend is elite. I have not seen this from the other prospects. Also, the speed is really good.
14. Braden Fiske, DT 6’5” 297 Florida State
2/29 /24 A coming out party today at the Combine. Ran a 4.78, His vertical of 33.5 and a 9’9” broad were the best in his group. I turned on some tape. Had 6 sacks this year. From an interior line position, that is good. But his first step and burst is so good, I wonder why not more. His 4.37 short shuttle is slightly better than A Donald’s. Need to look at more of this player.
2nd Round
3 Graham Norton, OG, 6’4” 315 Duke
1/29/24 – Norton played left tackle in college this past year. Has nice hands. Once he is locked on the defender, Norton is able to impose his will on the opponent. Nice balance. Footwork is solid. Nice pass protection. Didn’t pull much in the run game, does a solid pin out block on the edge when asked. Hoping to fall to the early 2nd round. A solid prospect.
4 Troy Fautonu, OG 6’4” 317 Washington
1/29/24 I put Fautonu in for the 2nd round as he played LT while at Washington. A pass heavy offense. The best blocker for Michael Penix Jr. But Fautonu is a little short to be an ideal tackle, so I’m projected him to be a guard at the next level. Always an unproven idea, sometimes it works out, sometimes not. I’m not willing to take such chances in the 1st round.
6 Roman Wilson, WR 6’0” 4.37 Michigan
3/15/24 Perhaps just a slot player, although I think he can do more than just be labelled a slot receiver. And there is nothing wrong with that. Quite explosive.
2/5/24 Wilson had a good week at the Senior Bowl. Had 48 catches, 12 TDs 789 yards for a 16.4 average per catch in a run heavy Michigan offense. A lot of catches are over the middle, catch and run all day. A terrific prospect.
7. Brian Thomas, WR 6’4” 205 4.40 LSU
2/8/23 A totally different receiver than Roman Wilson. Works almost exclusively vertically. Didn’t see much over the middle. Stacks the defender well and then makes his move. Real good production: 68 catches, 17 TDs, 17.3 yards per catch.
8. Blake Fisher, RT 6’6”315 Notre Dame
2/8/24 I enjoy watching Fisher play. I have watched film on him before, I just didn’t get to writing it up. Heavy hands, long arms. Just tosses people around. Enjoys laying on people, pinning them down. I wonder if somewhere out there is a wrestling background. The need to pin the opponent to the ground is strong. Fisher is the “other” OT from Notre Dame coming out in this draft. Alt is higher rated. The footwork is not as good as Mims, but better than Fuaga. Neither has hands like Fisher.
2nd Round (cont)
9. Ben Sinnott, TE 6’4” 245 4.63 Kansas State
3/1/24 Had a good day today at the Combine. 250 pounds. 40” vertical, 10.6 broad, 6.82 in the 3-cone drill – best of all TEs. Darren Waller is talking about maybe retiring. TE considerations take on importance.
2/13/24 Runs well with the ball. Tough to tackle. Good production this past year; 49 receptions 676 yards, 13.8 per catch. Nice hands. A good two-way player. Maybe an anomaly in today’s game. I’m putting Sinnott here in the 2nd round; as an early 3rd round pick, would be a really good pick.
10. Kingsley Suamataia, OT, 6’6” 324 BYU
2/14/24 What is of interest with Suamataia is that in 2022 he played half of the season at right tackle, and then moved over to left tackle. So, is he a right tackle prospect? Hands are a little inconsistent. Played in a RPO offense, with a balanced run-pass attack. Athletic, there is also some question of the level of play that he faced. Looking at more potential than a proved track record.
3. Darius Robinson, DE 6’5” 296 4.78 Missouri
3/8/24 New thoughts on Robinson. Because he can play DE or OLB, this attribute makes him more valuable. He might be a late 1st rounder.
2/16/24 Has 35” arms, which is long. I am watching more on Robinson tonight. He played the edge this year. So, he is scheme diverse, whether it be a 4-3 or a 3-4. Expected to run in the high 4.7, which is crazy for someone who is almost 300 pounds. I am moving Robinson up to the 2nd round from my initial 4th round.
2/7/24 A high-motor player. Seems to be a fit for something like a Philadelphia race care pressure defense.
2/3/24 In watching film, one thinks initially of an OLB in a 3-4. Except that Robinson is almost 300 pounds. He is a DE in a 4-3. Has a nice swim move. His game is primarily on the edge and go get the quarterback. Not sure about setting the edge or being effective against the run. Has a good motor, good speed.
12. Ennis Rakestraw, Jr. CB 6’0” 190 4.48 Missouri
2/19/24 A man/press corner. Anticipates the slant and denies it repeatedly. Maybe my favorite CB so far. I understand his press. Good tackler. Good player.
2. Jonathan Brooks, RB 6’0” 205 Texas
2/9/24 There is a lot to like here with Brooks. Good production; 1,470 yards gained this past year. Has good hands for little swing passes coming out of the backfield. But he is somewhat slight in build for a RB, and cannot be a feature back in the NFL. He could see some reps every game.
3. Cole Bishop, S 6’1” 200 4.50 Utah
3/15/24 In a very thin Free Safety pool, and with Xavier McKinney having left, someone to look at again.
3/1/24 Ran a 4.45 today at the Combine, 39” vertical. Moved up into the 2nd round.
2/28/24 I’m looking for a free safety. Bishop plays a hybrid of sorts. Not the fastest, does have length. Doesn’t have great hands.
5. Bo Nix, QB 6’2” 217 Oregon
3/11/24 I see Nix as an early 2nd round pick. But some team will take Nix earlier, as almost a desperation pick.
3/1/24 Perhaps doesn’t have pure elite arm strength. Can roll out and throw while being flushed from the pocket. Can throw and hit a slant over the middle. Need to look at still more.
2/2/24 Will be 24 years old with the season begins. Huge numbers this past year; 45 TD, 3 INTs. Did rush for 234 yards this past year. Doing due diligence.
1/22/24 What jumps off the screen (to me) his Nix’s athleticism. A good athlete, able to run from pressure, able to adapt his throws with various arm angles. Good athlete. Able to throw with a nice touch on the ball. The flip side to that is does Nix rely to much on floating the ball to his receivers? The time in the air will give NFL defenders time to recovery and knock away passes.
A lot of balls are thrown to his receivers on the outside, some of whom are high prospects ((Troy Franklin) themselves and who are simply able to race past their defenders. I don’t see ball over the middle, balls that would be used in a West Coast offense that requires the quarterback to his receiver in stride. Nix will require multiple looks at.
8 Tyler Guyton, RT 6’7” 328 Oklahoma
3/15/24 Ran a 5.19 at the Combine, which is sufficient. Watching more of Guyton’s tape. Not top of the 1st round. Might not even make 1st round. But 1st half of 2nd round for sure. And that is where I am moving him to today.
2/5/24 Guyton is a 1st round prospect. Because the tackle position is of such premium, probably the 1st half of the 1st round. Seems to have done well in the practices leading up to the Senior Bowl; practicing well against the best seniors is a significant statement.
2/2/24 Some video coming out of the Senior Bowl, Guyton seems to be moving better than what I previous saw. Needs to be looked at some more. Part of the process….
1/26/24 Evan Neal is not anyone’s answer, and needs to be replaced at right tackle by the NY Giants. One doesn’t find tackles as low draft picks; sometimes one can stumble and find an offensive guard, but not tackles. Guton only has one full year of college ball. That is a negative. His footwork is okay, although he seemingly is flat footed at times. Perhaps a slight projection here, but a player that needs to be looked at some more.
3rd Round
1 Cooper Beebe, OG, 6’4” 335 Kansas State
2/27/24 Beebe’s mass restricts him to some extent getting to the second tier.
1/26/24 Last year I followed offensive guard Cyrus O’Torrence. I thought he would be a really good NFL player. The Bills took him last year in the 2nd round. He has become a plug-in player, good for the next 10 years. Beebe is not the same as O’Torrence, but is in the same paragraph. Just watched some more video. Can pull and get into the second level. A big person in the second tier. Doubtful that he lasts until the 3rd player. Will be a solid NFL player.
1/17/24 I am starting Beebe off as a 3rd rounder, reality is that he is probably a second half 2nd rounder; being that the Giants draft close to the top of the round, he probably is not a 2nd round idea. One is looking at Beebe in case he falls for some reason into the top of the 3rd round. Beebe can play either guard position, he played primarily LG this past season. Watching video: Wide base, good hands. Has the ability to pull, although not great speed. The best lineman on the field. The Giants are so lacking in talent on the OL, Beebe would be a solid addition.
2 Jaylen Wright, RB 5’11” 209 4.37 Tennessee
3/15/24 Explosive. Saquon has moved down the Turnpike. Need a RB. Moved to the 2nd round, much to my disliking.
3/11/24 The more I see Wright, the more I like him. Does he climb to the 2nd round?
3/2/24 Ran a 4.38 today at the Combine.
2/22/24 I watched some more of Wright. Reluctant to move any RB up into the first two rounds. But I’m thinking about it.
1/29/24 I saw the 40 time, and I said I need to look closely. The NY Giants have Eric Gray and a 4.46. The difference is day and night. 4.37 is Raheem Mostert of the Miami Dolphins and the ability to break a run any time for a touchdown. Wright averaged 7.4 yards a carry this past year. The measurables are attention worthy. He gained over 1,100 yards. He may not be a feature back, and maybe can’t the punishment of 20 plus carries a game. That’s okay. The Dolphins are showing what speed can do. Wright is worthy of multiple look-sees.
3 Trevin Wallace, ILB, 6’2: 244 4.55
1/30/24 Runs well, good pursuit, good speed. Perhaps a little short. A solid player. Perhaps a round four player. But solid.
4 Adisa Isaac, OLB 6’4” 249 Penn State
2/2/24 A bunch of good players in this range. I am putting Issac as a 3rd round consideration as I don’t see any idea of a bend around the edge. He has a good motor as well as good speed. Would like to know what he runs. If he runs a 4.5, one has to reconsider where he should be in the draft. 7.5 sacks during the year. Isaac had an Achilles tear in 2021, which he seems to have fully recover
1/29/23 Isaac is another is another conversation of a player that could one day be a starter. Good against the run. And he still had 7.5 sacks. Runs well. Someone to take a second look at.
3rd Round (cont)
5 Adoni Mitchell, WR 6’4” 196 4.50 Texas
2/7/24 Mitchell played at Georgia before transferring to Texas. The move paid off, as this past year he had 55 catches for 845 yards 15.4 yards per catch. The film from Georgia showed a crispness in the routes, throws and plays. A Todd Monken offense.
The quarterback in Texas did not do Mitchell justice. Too many balls that Mitchell had to wait for. Despite adequate weight, seems slight of frame. Not a whole lot of crossing patterns over the middle. At a time where every prospect is a first round pick, I don’t see Mitchell that way. Perhaps a WR2 in time.
5. Christian Haynes, RG 6’2” 316 U Conn
2/12/24 Haynes is just a little short for a guard, and all not that stout. Good footwork. Some concern in ability to deal with pass rushers who simply bullrush as Haynes is not particularly stout. I’m moving Haynes down to the 3rd round today.
2/5/24 Haynes is a guard, no conversation about moving from another position here. Haynes started 49 games straight for the Huskies at guard, he is durable. 3rd Team All American two years in a row. The conversation is the level of play that he faced.
Haynes answered that question this past week at the Senior Bowl. He was voted the Top OL on the American team by the players that went up to him. That is why in part I moved Haynes up to the 2nd round. He holds his own against elite players.
U Conn has a balanced offense, mixing the run and play game almost 50-50. Haynes is athletic, can get to the next level. He moves his feet well, rarely is off balance, can get to the next level on run blocks. Arm length of 33 7/8 is adequate. A nice player to watch.
7. Payton Wilson, LB 6’4” 238 4.50 North Carolina State
2/13/24 Last year I watched Trent Simpson, and wanted the NY Giants to take him; in the 1st round. Instead, the Giants signed a free agent, Bobby Okereke, and he did very well. Wilson reminds me of Simpson. Not as good as a player. But a modern LB; length and speed. Concerns about difficulty in shedding blocks, such as from TEs. Has a multiple injury history taking back to high school which drops him to the 3rd round.
8. Austin Booker, OLB, 6’6” 245 4.76 Kansas
2/16/24 Booker is a long OLB, and is almost underweight. I think of Jack Lambert, who was so underweight as a LB. Booker is much heavier than Lambert ever was, today’s game is different. And Booker is not Lambert. Make that clear. Booker has difficulties shedding blockers, especially one’s that get into their arm into him.
9. Dylan Laube, RB New Hampshire 5’10” 207 4.46
2/22/24 Laube runs a 4.46. He had 715 yards rushing at 4.5 yards a carry, and 699 yards receiving. A very versatile back. Played in the Senior Bowl. Still difficult to access for the next level. A CMC comparison is wishful.
10 T’Vondre Sweat DT 6’4” 362 5.05 Texas
2/23/24 A 2-gap DT, Sweat runs a 5.05. Difficult to move from the point of attack. Minimal pass rush. Strong run defender. Needs to be rotated, as conditioning is minimal due to size. This is the Philadelphia Eagle interior front at its best.
11. MarShawn Lloyd, 5’9” 209 USC
3/2/24 Ran a 4.46 today at the Combine. That is solid for him at his weight.
2/24/24 Ran for over 800 yards at USC, with a 7.1 average per carry. Can be a feature back.
11. Cam Bullock, FS, 6’3” 190 USC
2/26/24 Great length. Not the greatest speed, and not the greatest strength/frail build. But Bullock can get the ball.
14 Tate Ratledge, RG 6’6” 311 Georgia
2/29/24 Perhaps a little too tall for a guard. If Ratledge gets his hands on you, that’s it. Played next to Amarius Mims, what an elite side of the ball. Able to handle stunts well. Good pass blocker.
15. Isaac Guerendo, RB, 6.0” 225 4.33 Louisville
3/6/24 6.1 yards per carry surprises, as well as the speed. Most of the plays are in between the tackles, and can catch the ball out of the backfield. A serious player to look at.
16. Trey Benson, RB 216 4.39 Florida State U
3/11/24 Both Guerendo and Benson are terrific back, both may be drafted earlier. Sometimes players get drafted earlier based on need.
3/7/24 Very aggressive through the hole. A potential impact player, even if he is not every down player, which he could be. RA (Relative Athletic Score) of 9.79. Need to look at him some more.
5. Ricky Pearsall, WR 6’1” 190 4.41 Florida
3/11/24 Sometimes the information one has needs to be confirmed. Pearsall ran a 4.41. Plenty fast. Still concerned about 190 pounds coming over the middle. I am moving him up to the 3rd round.
2/12/24 Pearsall had nice production this past year: 65 catches for 965 yards, 14.8 yards per catch. In watching film, one recognizes that he was playing with a quarterback that is not elite. A lot of balls floated in; Pearsall had to wait on them. Pearsall is versatile, as he has seemingly good short area quickness. His signature move is a double move; on the next level defenders will pick up on this quickly. Pearsall played in the Senior Bowl. I have him here in the 4th round due to a lack of speed and a lack of explosiveness.
17. Dadrion Taylor Demerson 5’11” 195 4.41 Texas Tech
3/12/24 Xavier has signed with Green Bay, the FS search is on. Demerson plays centerfield, which is what I am looking for in a Free safety. Like the speed. Doesn’t have length. Weak free safety class. Will probably be drafted higher than he should be. Had 4 interception this past year, three the year before, and three the year before that. Is around the ball.
4th Round
- Gabriel Murphy, OLB 6’3” 260 UCLA
1/26/24 I have not been enamored with the number of games that Azeez Ojulari has missed the last two years. Micah McFadden has filled in; an upgrade is always a possibility.
There are multiple negatives with Murphy. What caught my attention was the 62 pressures this past year. An astonishing amount. Yes, he had 8 sacks. But pressure on the ball is a good thing. Yes, Murphy does not have length, and seemingly plays at one speed, a good speed, but has not twitch to add to that. 19 penalties in three years is a tough factor when assessing Murphy. It is one of the reasons why I don’t have him higher.
4. Blake Fisher, RT, 6’6” 311 Notre Dame
2/5/24 The other OT from Notre Dame in this year’s draft. Fisher is not a Day 1 consideration. Has heavy hands, and good arm length. Seems to play as the big kid in the game. Not good when at the next level, all the kids are big. Doesn’t seem to move particular well.
6. Tate Rateledge, RG 6’6” 311 Georgia
2/12/24 Rateledge plays next to Amarius Mims, a lot gets covered up. Rateledge looks thicker than Mims, but 25 pounds less in weight. A good run blocker, not so quick for the pass blocking, perhaps. Had Lisfranc surgery in 2021. Has good knee bend, which is important with his height. He is a little taller than ideal for the guard position. Good for a power scheme.
7. Mar’Kiese “Bucky” Irving, RB 5’10” 195 4.46 Oregon
2/13/24 In search for a running back, as I don’t anticipate the NY Giants resigning Saquon Barkley. Somewhat concerned about Irving as he is just 195 pounds. He has been durable in college, running for over 1,000 yards the last two season, averaging 6.8 yards and this past year 6.3 yards per carry. Very shifty, terrific stop and go as he goes through the line and waits for the opening.
What caught my attention is that this past year he had 56 receptions for 7.4 yards per catch. Could he be a 3rd rounder? Of course, I’m just reluctant to put RBs that high.
4th Round (cont)
8. Layden Robinsin, RG 6’3” 320 Texas A&M Aggies
2/15/24 Trying to ped Robinson as a 3rd round pick, he might not be. There is a lot to like. Heavy hands, good on twists and stunts. Stout Likes to pancake opponents. Plays high sometimes, and can be a little grabby, and prone to penalties.
9. Isaiah Davis, RB 6’0” 220 4.52 South Dakota State
2/21/24 Incredible production the last two years. This past year, 1,518 yards gained on the ground, 6.7 yards per carry. Runs in between the tackles.
10. Dwight McGothern, CB 6’2” 188 4.49 Arkansas
2/23/24 Has length to play his man/press. Had 3 INTs this past year, 4 the year before. Does not have elite speed, a little light in weight which can be corrected.
12, Ja’Lynn Polk WR 6’2” 204 4.52 Washington
3/8/24 A lot to consider. In a Michael Penix Jr offense. Played opposite Rome Odunze. In a vertical offense. Dinged here as the 4.52 is less than ideal. A potential WR2 player.
5th Round
- Kamal Hadden. CB 6’1” 197 4.45 Tennessee
I like my cornerback with more length. Hadden is a draftable CB. And if one drafts a CB in the fifth round, one has to make concessions. Hadden missed the second half of the season with a shoulder injury. Almost looks light for a player close to 200 pounds.
6. Blake Corum, RB 5’8” 214 4.40 Michigan
3/2/24 Ran a 4.53 today at the Combine. I think I have to move him lower, or at least to the Waste Basket. At his weight, needs to run faster. I think to the 5th round.
2/13/24 Earlier today I looked at Bucky Irving out of Oregon. Two totally different running backs. Corum is thicker and has the potential to be a feature back in an offense. His drawback is that he only caught 11 passes this past year. Irving, with a frame that suggests that he will not be the feature back, had 56 receptions this past year.
Corum has a burst and is able to get to the outside. Once there, he is difficult to catch. That ability is NFL material. His height does not bother me. The NY Giants had Joe Morris as a feature back on a SB winning team. Morris had speed, and like Corum liked to squat heavy. The only thing small about these backs is their height.
5th Round (cont)
3. Austin Booker, Edge 6’6” 240 Kansas
3/11/24 Booker should have stayed in school one more year. He has nice length, long arms which he uses to help set the edge. Had good production with 8 sacks His 40 time of 4.79 doesn’t correlate with his game speed, which is much faster.
6th Round
Davius Richard, QB, North Carolina Central 6’3” 220
2/7/23 Richard’s name came across my desk’ intrigued I put on some film. A man amongst boys, Richard was always the best player on the field. There hasn’t been a HCBU quarterback drafted in 18 years, Tarvarius Jackson being the last. With so many quarterback breaking down do to RPO, carrying three quarterbacks is becoming a necessity. Richard put up huge numbers in college. He needs to be looked at.
7th Round
Jacob Cowing, 5’11” 172 WR 4.38 Arizona
3/3/24 Good production this past year; 90 receptions with a 10.00 yards per catch average. Used a lot with bubble screens. The idea was to just get the ball into Cowing’s hands.
1 Camar Wheaton, RB 5’10” 203 4.30 SMI
2/19/24 Wheaton ran for 410 yards this past year, has a 4.9 yards per carry average. 4.30. Needs to be investigated some more
- Devin Leary, QB 6’1” 216 Kentucky
2/23/24 The Brock Purdy project. Leary had a productive collegiate career, 56.3% completion this past year in Kentucky, 25 TD, 12 INTs. A transfer portal player, in 2021 at NC State he threw for 3,433 yards with 35 TD and only 5 INTs. Has a strong enough arm, much of the Kentucky offense is down the field. Very little crossing patterns over the middle.
Off the Board
1 Joe Alt, LT, 6’8” 315 Notre Dame
1/17/24 Alt is a left tackle. The NY Giants have an elite left tackle in Andrew Thomas. This is about doing due diligence. Alt is tall, and unfortunately too often plays high. Great length, but a lack of athleticism jumps out as well as a little stutter step footwork as he sets up to make a block on a pull or the next level. In the waste basket, because Andre Thomas is not going anywhere.
Taliese Fuagu, RT, 6.6” 334 Oregon State
2/8/23 Fuaga is pretty good in the run game. I still don’t like his footwork in the pass game. Choppy, no slide, seemingly unsure of himself, certainly against speed.
1/19/24 I just watched video on Amarius Mims, and I’m spoiled. Fugua is a step down. He plays too high, and his footwork is not the same as Mims. Not even close. Fuaga’s game is more about “I’m bigger than you, let me overwhelm you.” Fuagu,, meet Evan Neal. Someone will take Fuagu in the top 3 rounds. Not interested. I’ve seen enough and don’t want to see more.
Michael Pratt, QB 6”3’ 220 Tulane
2/3/24 The Brock Purdy conversation. Both undersized, both not elite size or arm. Purdy is a total fit for Shanahan’s system. Perfect fit. Look at Bryce Young. A tough situation, almost no support. No B Aiyuk G Kittles, or CMC. Hopefully Pratt finds a home.
1/28/24 Pratt has been a four-year starter in college. There is a correlation between have college experience and being closer to NFL ready. Pratt’s name comes up as everyone believes that they have uncovered the next Brock Purdy.
Pratt’s arm strength is not elite. I compare it to Kyle Lauletta, who was drafted several years ago by the NY Giants. The response to a lack of arm strength is “he throws with anticipation.” Pratt is not overly athletic either, one really can’t run RPO plays with him. The quarterback is draftable, perhaps 5th round, as someone will be wishful. Pratt perhaps can make a team, and perhaps can become a backup quarterback. But he is not a starting NFL quarterback.
Michael Penix, Jr. QB 6’3” 213 Washington
1/30/23 2 ACLs. Enough said. Not willing to take a chance. Sorry.
Off the Board (cont)
Marcus Rosemy-Jack Saint 6’2” 194 WR Georgia
2/2/24 Having played for Georgia, and recognizing the Georgia has lots of talent, one has to dive deeper than just the stats. Yes, 34 catches good for 15.7 yards a catch. Good yards after catch. But Rosemy-Jack Saint doesn’t even run a 4.55.
Jared Verse, 6’4” 260 Edge Florida State
2/13/24 A nice player. You tell me he is a mid-round 1st round pick, and I say okay. Not in the range of where the Giants may pick. Unless somehow Verse falls into the early 2nd round. I am not interested in the Giants trading back into the late 1st round if Verse should drop.
2/2/24 I put Verse in my Waste Basked, because he is a mid-1st round pick, and the Giants, unless they trade down, are picking much earlier than when Verse should be selected. Has good hands, nice speed to power. Shows a genesis of a bend. Productive this past year with 9 sacks. Much of it was due to a bull rush. Maybe that doesn’t happen on the next level. Doesn’t have an inside move yet, and was not asked to drop back into coverage.
Ladd McConkey, WR 6’0” 185 4.55 Georgia
2/3/24 McConkey is playing in the Senior Bowl; Jim Nagy feels he has game. McConkey played at Georgia, Kirby Smart thinks McConkey has game. The question is does McConkey have game at the next level.
Good acceleration, this is important for a route runner such as McConkey. One needs just a little space to get open. McConkey excels at this. He has a slight frame. Comes over the middle, it is going to be difficult for him to survive.
6. Javon Baker, WR 6’1” 205 UCF
2/14/24 Baker has a 11.4% drop rate. Totally unacceptable. To the Waste Basket.
2/10/24 I’m watching film, and it is just a highlight reel. Baker averaged 21.9 yards a reception this year. He had 52 catches for 1,139 yards. The offense doesn’t look like anything resembling a pro-offense. I don’t see Baker taking something over the middle, it is just one broken play after another on the outside. Difficult to assess Baker due to the level of play. His 4.48 time is good, but nothing special. Short route running seems to be what gets him repeatedly open. Interesting player.
Shemar Turner, DE 6’4” 290 Texas A & M
2/15/24 Had 6.0 sacks this past year. Unfortunately, much of the film on Turner shows a play where he is getting up as an opponent stands in his way, Turner punched him in the groin and was ejected from the game. Turner has some game, but that is a serious eye sore.
4 Keon Coleman, WR, 6’4” 215 4.45 Florida State
2/21/24 The most telling stat: Colemand has only a 33’3% contested catch rate. Hereby removed from 1st round consideration.
2/15/23 The other day I was watched tape on Nate Wiggins, perhaps the best CB in the draft. Watched a play where he was defending Coleman. Jump ball. Wiggins is 2 – 3 inches shorter. He was able to knock the ball away. Coleman should have either been able to outjump Wiggins, or shield him from the ball. A little disappointing against elite play.
2/10/24 There is a lot to like here. 50 catches this past year, 58 the year before. One wonders why not more production. A transfer from Michigan State, Coleman went to a team that emphasizes the pass, the portal move was beneficial. Coleman can play on the outside, and is able to play in the slot. In the slot, he is able to use his body to shield defenders nicely. Good but certainly not elite speed.
1/19/24 There is a lot to like about Coleman. Initially watching him one doesn’t realize how tall he is. His body is proportional and in sync. One also realizes that while he has good speed, it is not great speed. But fast enough. I like seeing production. From a value perspective. I have to look at the top receivers again (as I will be looking at them multiple time) and try to see what separates them.
Coleman is better than a 2nd round pick. Real good hands, and an ability to go and track the ball in the air. Where he goes in the 1st round is hard to tell, as always there many variables in determining where a player falls to and eventually gets drafted.
1 Kamren Kinchen, FS 6’0” 205 4.45 Miami (FL)
3/1/24 Ran a 4.65 40 today. Can’t have my free safety doing that. Being dropped to Off the Board.
1/22/24 Xavier McKiney, the NY Giants current free safety is about to become a free agent. While the 2Giant offensive needs are more pressing, one still has to look to improve and fill in weaknesses on the other side of the ball. Kinchen had five interceptions last year, and six the year before. These numbers caught my attention. In watching video on Kinchen, I saw him used in a variety of ways. He can play deep and converge on the ball while in the air for the interception.
This is elite play, many FSs in the NFL are not able to do this. And yes, Kinchen was used at times to blitz. He is a sure tackler, whether on the blitz or making an open field tackle. A very good player. Yes, I would want to be faster, and yes, I would want him to be a little bigger. He is what he is. Is he a 1st round selection? Maybe not. Could he fall into the second round as an early round pick? Hopefully
11. Audric Estime RB 5’11” 227 4.48 Notre Dame
3/8/24 Ran a 4.71 at the Combine. Off of my Board.
2/29/24 Sneaky fast, in between tackles runner. Big production, 1,341yards rushed for 6.4 yards a carry.
Barry Schustermann
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