Let's continue our weekly Friday 'prospecting' series today with a look at a couple of players from the powerful Oklahoma Sooners.
Wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias and mammoth offensive tackle Phil Loadholt are players who the Giants might have opportunities to grab in the second or third rounds of the April draft.
Here are scouting reports on both players from Matt, our Oklahoma blogger over at Crimson and Cream Machine. Thanks for taking the time, Matt.
Juaquin Iglesias
Matt's take: Despite only being listed at 6-0 Juaquin Iglesias was Oklahoma’s leading receiver in terms of both receptions (74) and receiving yards (1,150). He was also second on the team in receiving touchdowns with 10. Iglesias was a four-year player who improved each season going from 19 in 2005 to the 74 he posted in 2008.
I don’t think that he has the size to play on the edge but is perfect for the slot. He has very good hands, blazing speed and is a tough physical player. He averaged 15.5 yards per reception as a senior and can also make an impact on special teams as well. I would compare him to another Sooner in Baltimore’s Mark Clayton.
[From NFL Draft Countdown: Isn't flashy and certainly won't blow anyone's doors off in workouts but will likely play in the league for a long time ... Looks like a prototypical possession receiver]
Phil Loadholt
Matt's take: Phil Loadholt has the size and strength to be a mainstay on the offensive line. He was an all conference selection who consistently graded out well with knockdowns and pancake blocks. However, the knock against him is that at 6-8, 337 he tends to have slow feet and is susceptible to getting beat from a quick pass rusher coming off the edge. He dropped some weight from his junior to senior year which increased his speed. He did better but still had some moments where he was beaten by quick defenders.
[From NFL Draft Countdown: Finisher who plays with a nasty disposition...Solid work ethic...Has a ton of upside. ... Intelligence may be an issue ... Ran into trouble off the field and character is a concern. ... Could play left tackle at the next level but his best fit will probably be on the right side.]
This Week's Mock Drafts
Walter Football: Round 1 (29th), James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State; Round 2 (45th), Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers, Round 2 (60th), Evander Hood, DT, Missouri.
Draft Tek: Round 1, Larry English, OLB, Northern Illinois; Round 2, Kenny Britt; Round 2, Fenuki Tupou, OT, Oregon.
Football's Future: James Laurinaitis.
NFL.com: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina.
National Football Post: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
Scout.com: Round 1, Hakeem Nicks; Round 2, Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia, Rashad Jennings, RB, Liberty.