NFL Draft Notebook: D’Onta Foreman, Zach Cunningham, more

With the 2017 NFL Draft less than a month away now let’s get caught up on some of the draft news and rumors, as well as some of the Pro Day results

D’Onta Foreman shows off impressive speed

Texas running back D’Onta Foreman showed off a slimmed down physique at the NFL Combine, weighing in at 233 pounds after playing at 249 pounds during his final collegiate season. He did not run, though, because of an injury.

Foreman ran Tuesday at the Texas Pro Day, and his reported 40-yard dash times of between 4.41 and 4.44 seconds are sure to get the attention of teams, including the New York Giants. Foreman’s official time was apparently a still really fast 4.45.

The Giants are expected to select a running back at some point during the draft, and power backs like Foreman, James Conner, Wayne Gallman, Brian Hill, Corey Clement and Samaje Perine are among the names mentioned.

Here is part of what Chris wrote about Foreman in his prospect profile:

Foreman’s experience (and ability) running out of the shotgun formation is a definite benefit considering how often the Giants run that alignment. He would also provide a great dynamic with Paul Perkins, adding a big physical presence while still allowing the playbook to stay open. Foreman is almost tailor made to run in the Giants’ inside-zone scheme while also having the ability to bounce runs outside if necessary.

What’s the deal with Zach Cunningham?

Increasingly, linebacker Zach Cunningham is being connected to the Giants. Yes, the Giants have not selected a linebacker in the first round since 1984. GM Jerry Reese did, however, attend Cunningham’s Pro Day at Vanderbilt.

As with many players, though, there seems to be a divergence of opinions about Cunningham.

One scout I talked to recently said that he would “struggle getting excited” about selecting Cunningham in the first round, largely because his outstanding length and skills sometimes get overshadowed by his poor tackling. Then former NFL executive and current ESPN analyst Louis Riddick answered a question about his favorite non-top 10 player in this draft by choosing Cunningham.

Walter Football has Cunningham in its “stock down” category:

Scouts across the league like Cunningham as a player, but they aren't in love with him. They feel he is a solid player who is versatile, but not all that explosive or violent. In speaking with multiple teams late last week, they thought that Cunningham would go in the second round, which is where they would feel comfortable taking him. There are a lot of linebacker-needy teams picking late in the first round, so Cunningham has a shot to go on Thursday night, but across the league, many view him as a second-round pick, so he could easily slip to Friday night.

Mock draft updates

Here are the choices for the Giants in a handful of recent mocks.

• Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst gave the Giants offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk and tight end Gerald Everett in two-round effort.
• Charlie Campbell of Walter Football gave the Giants OT Garett Bolles, TE Evan Engram, RB Jamaal Williams and QB Brad Kaaya in a four-round mock.
• NFL.com’s Charlie Casserly gives the Giants Wisconsin offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk in his latest mock.