Let’s all admit it: we have man crushes. The same goes for draft day. These are guys I like, and would like to see in Blue. More under the radar guys. Guys that didn’t get profiled, but are still worthy of a selection by the Giants. . Let’s do it.
CYRUS GRAY, RB, TEXAS A&M
The 5-10, 206 pound back was very productive in college. Good receiver. Good blocker. Seems like a decent guy in the locker room. Can return kicks. Not the biggest, not the fastest, but is a smart, patient running back who can contribute in many ways. Solid in many ways. While he probably won’t ever be a feature back, he’s a guy who can produce with 10 touches, out of the backfield, and on returns.
Scouting report here
Video here
JARRETT BOYKIN, WR, VIRGINIA TECH
The Giants need a physical receiver on the outside, and that is what Boykin is. 6-2, 217. Not overly fast. But has the size and physicality to succeed on inside breaking concepts and in the red zone. He’s not going to be a star; but he’s someone who can keep Cruz in the slot. Won’t stretch the field, but will take some pressure off of Cruz and Nicks as a reliable, move the chains, possession receiver.
Scouting report here
Video here
KEVIN KOGER, TE, MICHIGAN
Kevin Koger was not utilized when Rich Rodriguez was coach, but made progress in Brady Hoke’s pro-style offense. 6-3, 262. Good hands. Can play inline, in the slot, and as fullback. Is raw, and his development was stunted. But has the tools to become a two-way tight end, with time. He’s someone who would benefit from a year of coaching. Which the Giants can afford to do, because of Martellus Bennett. A sleeper, but enough tools to make an investment
Scouting report here
Video here
SENIO KELEMENTE, OL, WASHINGTON
Senio Kelemente is a former defensive tackle who was moved to guard in 09, and then tackle in ’10. So obviously raw. But is athletic, he’s tough. He moves well. He needs to bulk up, and as you can imagine, needs technique work. He’ll need to be a guard in the pros–only 6-3. Yes, he’s raw, but he has a lot of potential. Has all the skills, just needs a good line coach, which the Giants have. Seems to me that he’ll need a year of development and then can transition into a starter.
Scouting report here
Video here
BRUCE IRVIN, DE/OLB, WEST VIRGINIA
Bruce Irvin has an interesting story. Dropped out of high school. Spent some time on the streets. Eventually decided to make something of himself. Got his GED. Went to a community college and in his first season as a pass rusher had 16 sacks. He is explosive. Very explosive. Great first step. He is agile, and he can bend around the edge. He’s not a full time starter, as he’s only 245 pounds, and will not fare well against the run. But on 3rd downs, there is a lot this guy can do. Can stand up. Can play in a “wide nine” alignment”. Can stunt and loop inside. You’re talking a double digit sack guy on third downs. The Giants love pass rushers, and while Irvin is one-dimensional, his one dimension is pretty good. The best pure rusher in the draft. Perry Fewell (or any coordinator that gets Irvin) is going to have a field day figuring out ways to use him.
Scouting report here
Video here
NAJEE GOODE, LB, WEST VIRGINIA
Najee Goode is not a special talent, but he has experience at all three linebacker spots. He plays fast. Can cover tight ends. Good tackler. He’s a bit small, at only 6 feet, but is a special teams star in the making and a valuable, versatile pick. As a sixth round pick, may not have the impact of Jaicquan Williams, but is going to be an awesome backup.
Scouting report here
Video here
DEQUAN MENZIE, CB, ALABAMA
The 5-10 corner is a Greg Cosell favorite. I’ll let him talk about Menzie:
Alabama’s Menzie is the best slot corner in this draft. He played outside in the base defense and moved inside in sub-packages. He was physical in the run game, he was utilized as a blitzer, and he played both press and off coverage versus slot receivers. I have heard some say, due to his limitations as an outside corner, that he best transitions to the NFL as a safety. I can see that, especially with the proliferation of hybrid tight ends. Menzie would likely be effective as a cover safety with his corner experience. That’s a projection. What we do know is he’s an outstanding slot corner. Leave him there. He will play the majority of the snaps at a position that’s difficult to find.
That’s good enough for me. If Cosell likes Menzie, then we should all listen.
Scouting report here
Video here
BRANDON HARDIN, CB/S, OREGON STATE
Hardin is 6-3 and a former corner, but projects to safety in the NFL. Great size. Great athlete. Can turn and run. Good special teams player. Looks like a guy who can turn and run with tight ends, while possessing the size to not be man-handled by them. He missed 2011 with a broken shoulder, so he’s going to be a bit rusty. But is athletic enough to be a hybrid safety and a special teams star
Scouting report here
Video here


April 18th, 2012
Jeremy Fuchs
Posted in 


I think we already have a bunch of guys on the roster that are similar to, as well as more game ready than your first few picks here, but the last two Menzie and Hardin can be interesting if the Giants decide to go in that direction.
[...] profiled him quickly in our draft crushes. Here’s what I said: The 5-10, 206 pound back was very productive in college. Good receiver. [...]
[...] of our draft crushes. We wrote: The Giants need a physical receiver on the outside, and that is what Boykin is. 6-2, 217. Not [...]
[...] of our draft crushes: Bruce Irvin has an interesting story. Dropped out of high school. Spent some time on the streets. [...]
[...] have a draft crush on him. Najee Goode is not a special talent, but he has experience at all three linebacker spots. [...]
[...] of our draft crushes: Hardin is 6-3 and a former corner, but projects to safety in the NFL. Great size. Great athlete. [...]