2015 NFL Draft: Pro Day Report - Giants Showing Interest In A Linebacker

As we march -- okay, crawl-- toward the 2015 NFL Draft, pro days are officially under way. Pro days give prospects who didn't get invited to the scouting combine a chance to strut their stuff, or players who want the chance to improve their performances an opportunity to do so.

It may or may not mean anything, but we are going to try to keep tabs on where the Giants turn up, and any prospects they meet with or show interest in.

So, let's take a look at the highlights.

Virginia

Thirty-one teams sent representatives to Virginia's pro day. Most were likely there to see defensive end Eli Harold work out, though red-shirt sophomore Max Valles is also a draw. Harold has the versatility to be an edge rusher in a 4-3 or a 3-4 front. He could work his way into a first round selection.

Safety Anthony Harris, who could interest the Giants in the middle rounds, is still nursing an injury and didn't work out.

Auburn

All 32 teams attended Auburn's pro day, and there were plenty of intriguing prospects. Receiver Sammie Coates was seen getting personal attention from Bill Belichick, and former quarterback -- future cornerback -- Nick Marshall is an intriguing story.

The star of the day is running back Corey Grant, who wasn't invited to the combine. If he had been, he would have easily been the fastest running back there, and probably made Chris Johnson nervous. Various reports had him run between a 4.18 and a 4.28 40-yard dash to go with a 37 inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-7-inch broad jump. The 5-9, 201 pound speedster is still something of a secret after not seeing much time in Auburn's offense. If the Giants are looking for an offensive weapon with speed to burn, Grant could have caught their eye.

Mississippi State

Representatives from 29 teams attended Mississippi State's pro day, and the Bulldogs have a trio of prospects that should, or do, intrigue the Giants.

Defensive end Preston Smith stood on an impressive Combine workout and could be in play on Day 2 of the draft for the Giants.

Running back Josh Robinson re-ran the 40-yard dash, turning in times of 4.65 and 4.66 seconds, but otherwise stood on his combine numbers. He reportedly had an impressive positional workout, catching the ball well out of the backfield.

Most notably, the Giants reportedly showed strong interest in middle linebacker Benardrick McKinney [scouting report]. The interest isn't terribly surprising as McKinney fits the Giants' mold for height, weight, and speed perfectly. He reportedly had a strong positional workout and showcased good leadership skills. McKinney is a strong candidate to be drafted in the first round, but should he fall to 40th overall, the Giants would have to take a long, hard look at him.