With the NFL Combine beginning Wednesday, here are five prospects to watch for the Giants:
TE, Alabama
This would whip the fans into a frenzy. A big-play tight end is a missing ingredient, and this would be the perfect blend of need and talent coming together. Howard has great size (6-foot-6, 242) and athleticism, plus he comes up big in big games — check out his production (nine receptions for 314 yards and three touchdowns) in two national championship games. As a pass-catcher, Miami’s David Njoku might be the best of the bunch. The Giants haven’t taken a tight end in the first round since Jeremy Shockey in 2002.
LB, Vanderbilt
Yes, we know, the Giants need offense, not defense, and they haven’t drafted a linebacker in the first round in 33 years (Carl Banks, 1984). Never say never. Cunningham is a rangy, tackling machine and could stay on the field all three downs. There is nothing wrong with making an already strong defense even stronger, especially at a position where no stars currently reside.
OT, Wisconsin
Ramczyk will not participate in drills at the combine, as he is coming off hip surgery, and his medical history will have to be checked out carefully. This is not considered a strong draft for offensive tackles. Ramczyk is the anti-Ereck Flowers in that he is considered to be an outstanding technician but perhaps not an elite athlete.
RB, Stanford
He is the son of former Giants WR Ed McCaffrey and perhaps the most complete running back in the draft. He can run inside, can line up outside as a receiver and is a dynamic kick returner. No, he is not big, but he is tough and would keep coach Ben McAdoo up at night figuring out ways to get him the ball.
QB, Notre Dame
A quarterback in the first round? No way. But if somehow, Kizer is sitting there in the second round, would the Giant make a play for him? GM Jerry Reese said Eli Manning is “probably on the back nine’’ of his career, there is a need for a backup quarterback, and the Giants keep insisting they want to develop someone at the position. Kizer is perfect: huge upside, raw, not ready to play right away. It would cause quite a ruckus, wouldn’t it?
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