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While doing these Daily NFL Draft Prospect Profiles I have focused most of my attention on the obvious positions of need for our New York Giants. Those, of course, would be middle linebacker, defensive tackle, offensive tackle, safety and -- maybe -- running back.
Today I want to shift gears a little bit and look at a player who does not play any of those positions. That player is Boston College center Matt Tennant. Tennant is a 6-foot-5, 290-pound center likely to come off the board in the middle or late portion of the draft.
That is just about the right time for the Giants to grab a center if they are inclined to begin grooming a young player as a potential replacement for Shaun O'Hara down the road. So, let's take a closer look at Tennant.
Matt Tennant Scouting Reports
From Draft Countdown.
Above average athleticism --- Quick and agile --- Good mobility --- Does not have the ideal bulk that you look for --- Not overly strong or powerful --- Gets pushed back --- Has trouble sustaining and will fall off blocks --- Won't get huge push in run game --- The type who does everything well but nothing great --- Not flashy but has the ability to compete for a starting job at the next level.
From SB Nation's Mocking The Draft.
While he'll need to get much stronger for the NFL, Tennant has great length. He uses that to get inside the pads of rushers and drive them back. He has functional upper body strength and really puts it on display on running plays. If he could do a little better in space and increase his foot quickness, he could be a starter at the next level.
From DraftAce.
An impressive athlete for an interior lineman. May have the ability to play center, guard and right tackle. Hard worker and a team leader. A smart player who's always in position. ... Lacks the elite strength to anchor against the bull rush. ... Tennant's grades will vary drastically from team to team. Some teams won't be interested because of his lack of size. Others will view him as a potential four-position lineman which will increase his stock dramatically.
Why Tennant fits with the Giants
Do you remember how bad Adam Koets was snapping the ball during Training Camp last August? Face it, the Giants really did not have a backup center in 2009, and were extremely fortunate not to need one. Plus, even though O'Hara seems to be playing better than ever he will be 34 this season. The Giants have to begin thinking about a future replacement for O'Hara, and Tennant seems like a nice mid-round option. The possibility that he may have some positional versatility doesn't hurt, either.
Why the Giants should pass
This depends on the Giants plan for the remaining offensive line positions. If David Diehl moves inside to left guard that would knock Rich Seubert out of the starting lineup. Seubert could serve as a backup guard/center, lessening the need for drafting a backup. Even if that happens, however, I have no issue with drafting a player in the mid to late rounds and trying to develop him as the center of the future.
(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com. Follow Big Blue View on Twitter.)