I have been trying to keep up with 2011 NFL Draft prospects who are being connected to the New York Giants in one way or another. The Star-Ledger's Mike Garafolo reported a few names on Friday I had not heard before, at least in terms of visitng with the team. One was Colorado offensive tackle Nate Solder. Another was Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn (yes, I'm ducking now).
There are also a couple of under-the-radar fullbacks now on the list. A really intriguing name is Yale fullback Shane Bannon, This is what SI.com's Tony Pauline had to say about Bannon recently:
His offensive statistics won't impress anyone as Bannon never carried the ball as a senior and accumulated just 13 receptions. His blocking skills, however, are another story. Bannon is built like a tank, measuring 6-1½, 268 and plays to that size. He's lined up at fullback and tight end with one simple mission -- annihilate opponents, which he does with regularity. Bannon is getting serious consideration from the Ravens and Giants to perform these skills at the next level.
Players Connected To The Giants (Updated 4/22)
Quarterbacks
Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama -- source
Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware (Pro Day) -- source
Running Backs
Ryan Williams RB, Virginia Tech (NFL Combine) – source
Taiwan Jones RB, Eastern Washington (meeting) – source
Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut (Pro Day) -- source
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (Pro Day)
Mikel LeShoure (Pro Day) -- source
Andre Harris, RB, Northern Colorado (Pro Day) -- source
Johnny White, RB, North Carolina -- source
Shaun Chapas, FB, Georgia -- source
Shane Bannon, FB, Yale -- source
Wide Receivers
Edmond Gates, Abilene Christian (meeting) – source
Tandon Doss, Indiana (Pro Day) -- source
Denarius Moore, Tennessee (meeting) -- source
Darnell Williams, Long Island -- source
Vidal Hazelton, Cincinnati (local workout) -- source
Duval Kamara, Notre Dame (local workout) -- source
Jon Baldwin, Pitt -- source
Jerrel Jernigan, Troy -- source
DeMarco Sampson, San Diego State -- source
Kris Durham, Georgia -- source
Offensive Linemen
Anthony Castonzo OT, Boston College (Pro Day run by Giants offensive line coach Pat Flaherty) – source
Will Rackley OG, Lehigh (meeting and private workouts) – source1, source2
Mike Pouncey OG, Florida (meeting, Pro Day) – source
Brandon Fusco OL, Slippery Rock (private workout) – source
John Gianninoto, C, UNLV (Pro Day) -- source
Matt Murphy, G, UNLV (Pro Day) -- source
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin (Pro Day) -- source
Ben Ijalana, OT, Villanova (Pro Day) -- source
Howard Barbieri, C, Rutgers (local workout) -- source
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado -- source
Byron Stingily, OT, Louisville -- source
Defensive Linemen
Nick Fairley DT, Auburn – source
Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois (Pro Day) -- source
Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple (meeting) -- source
Kaleb Anderson, DL, Colorado School Of Mines -- source
Ollie Ogbu, DT, Penn State -- source
Marc Schiechl, Colorado School Of Mines -- source
Blaine Summer, DL, Colorado School Of Mines -- source
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa -- source
Linebackers
Justin Houston OLB, Georgia (private workout) – source
Mark Herzlich OLB, Boston College (Pro Day, NFL Combine) – source
Scott Lutrus, LB, Connecticut (Pro Day) -- source
Sidney Tarver, OLB, Tennessee State (Pro Day) -- source
Akeem Dent, LB, Georgia (private workout) -- source
Martez Wilson, OLB, Illinois (Pro Day) -- source
Akeem Ayers (Pro Day)
Doug Hogue, OLB, Syracuse -- source
Darnell Carter (Local workout day) -- source
Tom McCarthy, DE.LB, Yale (local workout) -- source
Mike Gee, DE/LB, Indiana (pa.) -- source
Defensive Backs
Prathon Wilkerson CB, Albany State (Pro Day) – source
Jaiquawn Jarrett FS, Temple (meeting) – source
Tommy Irvin S, Wofford (workout) – source
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Pro Day) -- source
Anthony Bratton, S, Delaware (Pro Day) -- source
Ras-I-Dowling, CB, Virginia (Pro Day) -- source
Dionte Dinkins, CB, Fort Valley State (workout) -- source
Will Hill, DB, Florida (local workout) -- source
DaMon Merkerson, CB, Syracuse (local workout)
Shareece Wright, CB, USC -- source
Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia -- source
Darnell Burks, S, Fort Valley State -- source