NFL Combine 2017: Ten players to watch Friday as on-field workouts begin

It’s the first day of on-field workouts for the NFL Scouting Combine!

Friday the first group of players, who arrived on Tuesday, will be completing their combines by taking the field for their drills and workouts. While this is probably the least glamorous day of the Combine, it is one the New York Giants should be watching with bated breath.

Who are the prospects we should be watching?

Garett Bolles (OT, Utah) - With Wisconsin’s Ryan Ramczyk sidelined as he recovers from hip surgery, Bolles has the opportunity to leave the combine as the top offensive tackle in the draft. His lengthy journey to the NFL means that he will be an “old” 25 year old rookie, but if he can show good enough feet and technique, NFL teams won’t care. [Bolles wants to “put people in the dirt”]

Antonio Garcia (OT, Troy) - Garcia showed natural “left tackle” feet and terrific technique at the Senior Bowl, using angles and leverage to compensate for his lack of mass. Look for him to continue to show those traits and ace the positional drills. His most important numbers will be his official weigh-in. Coming in at more than 300 pounds should alleviate scouts fears that he is too thin to play in the NFL. [Prospect Profile]

Cam Robinson (OT/G, Alabama) - Robinson is listed as a guard by Mike Mayock, but a strong showing in the positional drills could solidify his status as an offensive tackle in the minds of scouts. Robinson is already a powerful run blocker, but he will need to show the ability to block on the edge if he doesn’t want to be pigeonholed as a guard going forward.

Dion Dawkins (OT/G, Temple) and Taylor Moton (OT/G, Western Michigan) - I’m going to mention these two prospects together, because they are in similar situations. They are big, strong, powerful players, but there is some question about where either will play at the next level. If both want to hang on to the coveted “Offensive Tackle” designation — which leads to greater money down the road — they will need to show off a tackle’s feet and movement skills in positional drills. Even if they do, teams like the Giants could value their versatility to start their careers inside and move out to a tackle position. [Prospect Profile]

Dan Feeney (OG, Indiana) - Feeney is in a dogfight with Eastern Kentucky’s Forrest Lamp for the title of top guard in the draft, with Pittsburgh’s Dorian Johnson lurking not far behind. A strong performance in Indy by any of them could vault them into the lead, and potentially onto the Giants’ radar. [Prospect Profile]

Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford) - One of our top prospects to watch at the combine, McCaffrey is generally considered part of the “Big 3” group of running backs, but among the top prospects he is in a subordinate position. McCaffrey has the patience, agility, and vision to be a playmaker at the next level, but his draft stock might depend on showing that he too is an athlete. [McCaffrey: “I have a chip on my shoulder”]

D’Onta Foreman (RB, Texas) - The big back from Texas shows off power and quick feet, but his draft stock would benefit from showing that he is more than just his measurements. The running back class is stacked with talent, and from the Giants’ perspective, a big back with the tools to run inside or outside and create on his own could be vital. [Prospect Profile]

Corey Clement (RB, Wisconisn) - Another big power back, Clement comes with the stigma attached to many Wisconsin backs, that the run heavy scheme and road-grading offensive line inflated their stock. Clement will need to show well rounded athleticism and some agility in drills to garner attention and make a name for himself.

James Conner (RB, Pittsburgh) - Another one of our “Top Prospects To Watch”, Conner has a uniquely inspiring story, but he also has to prove that he still has “Next Level” athleticism after suffering a torn MCL and being diagnosed with cancer in a span of months. It’s hard not to root for him, and after battling back from the injury and cancer to participate in spring workouts while still undergoing chemotherapy, his heart, desire, and toughness can’t be questioned. [Prospect Profile]

Use this as your open thread for the first day of workouts and let us know who are you watching today.