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It’s officially December. The stakes on Sunday are soaring ever higher as teams jockey for playoff positions and some coaches are fighting for their jobs. Elsewhere, franchises are taking a hard look at their rosters and turning more of an eye to the impending draft.
For the first time in a long time the New York Giants are in the former group and neither of the latter ones. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t take a look at mock drafts, too.
ESPN’s junior draft analyst Todd McShay came out with his NFL mock draft 1.0 Wednesday morning, and it features an interesting pick for the New York Giants.
25. New York Giants
D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas*
Foreman is one of the most underrated prospects in this class. You can tell by looking at him that he's a load to bring down (6-1, 249), but what makes him special are his quick feet. Foreman, who led the FBS in rushing this season with 2,028 yards, also has some ability as a blocker and pass-catcher.
Raptor’s Thoughts: TODD! TODD! TODD!
I’ll say this: McShay isn’t wrong about Foreman. Honestly, I like him — I like him a lot.
He has a truly rare blend of size and athletic ability, and as McShay notes, he has exceptionally quick feet. His ability to run out of the shotgun in both zone or power run schemes, sweet feet, vision, balance, and pure power are going to make him a good back in the NFL. I really do think he would be a great fit in the Giants’ offense and would give them a really nice contrast with Paul Perkins without taking any plays off the table.
However, I think the first round, even a late first, is just too rich for him. To be a running back selected in the first round, you need to be a home run hitter, as well as a fairly complete back. Foreman just isn’t that. He will wear down a defense and take the load off the passing game, but my comparison for him is a healthy Andre Brown, or perhaps Le’Veon Bell coming out of Michigan State, who also had incredible feet for a huge running back. But in no way can I compare, or even project, Foreman to what Bell is NOW.
In this scenario I would take Mike McGlinchey out of Notre Dame in a heartbeat. McGlinchey has previously said that he is going back to school, but if he comes out, I think he is my top OT prospect, with the kind of size, athleticism, power, technique, versatility, and downright meanness that the Giants LOVE. McGlinchey has played both left and right tackle for the Fighting Irish, and would give the Giants the freedom to find the best possible spots for Ereck Flowers, Bobby Hart, and McGlinchey — potentially upgrading the left tackle, right tackle, and right guard positions.