Big Blue View - 2019 NFL Draft prospect profiles: Players you need to know aboutYour place for year-round New York Giants discussion and informationhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47371/bigblueview_fave.png2019-04-27T11:03:37-04:00http://www.bigblueview.com/rss/stream/179484242019-04-27T11:03:37-04:002019-04-27T11:03:37-04:00What does Oshane Ximines bring to the Giants’ defense?
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Old Dominion at North Texas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oqYNv7jxIYmXhpodiojCowO5Vnc=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63683765/usa_today_10376072.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Oshane Ximines should be an early contributor in the Giants’ sub packages</p> <p id="VutEbV">The <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> desperately needed help at the defensive EDGE position, and that was before they traded away Olivier Vernon. Early in the 2018 season, while Vernon was still recovering from a freak ankle injury suffered in practice during the preseason, the Giants fielded one of the very worst pass rushes in the NFL. </p>
<p id="FmRwkm">With Vernon now gone for good, the Giants are hoping for <span>Lorenzo Carter</span> to develop and unleash his formidable athletic ability and that <span>Markus Golden</span> will be able to fully recover from his torn ACL and show that his 2016 production wasn’t a fluke. </p>
<p id="18hbcb">But even if both of those work out in the Giants’ favor, they still need more pass rushers and more depth aat the defensive EDGE position. The Giants passed up elite EDGE prospects at the top of the draft, but after a four-hour wait on Day 2 they selected <span>Oshane Ximines</span> out of Old Dominion. </p>
<p id="vT5g1x">Let’s take a closer look at the Queens native and see what the first player ever drafted out of ODU can bring to the Giants’ defense.</p>
<aside id="oQ2J10"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Why did the Giants draft Oshane Ximines?","url":"https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/4/27/18519565/2019-nfl-draft-why-did-ny-giants-draft-oshane-ximines-analysis"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="TjHoif">Measurables</h2>
<div id="yr9F6t"><iframe src="https://www.mockdraftable.com/embed/oshane-ximines?position=EDGE&page=GRAPH" width="480" height="651" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<h2 id="MwB1rs">Pros</h2>
<ul>
<li id="YXaEdZ">Shows very good hand usage. Consistently uses his hands to keep blockers from locking in. </li>
<li id="83afrz">Has a variety of pass rush moves. </li>
<li id="qMoDUz">Good pop for a modestly sized EDGE.</li>
<li id="9ULzHI">Experience rushing from a two or three-point stance. </li>
<li id="h4Wn5u">Rushed from the interior or as stand-up interior blitzer on nickel downs. </li>
<li id="0xUJR0">Sets a firm edge in the run game. </li>
<li id="Ogbw3T">High motor player who gives maximum effort on every play. </li>
<li id="NpDo7s">Multiple time team captain and reportedly a high-character young man.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="HNRb2l">Cons</h2>
<ul>
<li id="578bx9">First step isn’t sudden and shows some wasted motion. </li>
<li id="st7450">Shows some lower-body stiffness that limits him as a speed rusher. </li>
<li id="178QVD">Has a strong tendency to lose track of the football on play-action and option plays. </li>
<li id="sEvBla">Doesn’t have great length, and his size limits him in certain situations.</li>
<li id="dd6E0k">Frame appears close to maxed out. </li>
</ul>
<h2 id="UbfiyD">Numbers of note</h2>
<p id="jpXkMZ"><em>(Per Sports Info Solutions Rookie Handbook)</em></p>
<ul>
<li id="KX2f8J">
<span>Ximines</span> started 48 of 49 games for Old Dominion. The lone game he didn’t start was Senior Day in 2016. </li>
<li id="YgnKVh">
<span>Ximines</span>’ broken tackle rate dropped from 10.4 percent in 2016 to 4.8 percent by 2018, while his tackle share and pressure share rose each year.</li>
<li id="ZhMYar">Rushed on 91.9 percent of his snaps, and played 78.6 percent of his snaps in a 3-point stance. </li>
<li id="zYtXmF">Had a pressure rate of 14.4 percent in 2018, with 11.5 sacks, 18 QB hits, 8 knockdowns, 31 hurries, and 46 pressures. </li>
</ul>
<h2 id="vVIv67">Prospect Video</h2>
<div id="IJJgKs"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f13pHFxsshE?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="ucmUQB">What They’re Saying </h1>
<blockquote><p id="aDMerp">A steady producer across four seasons at Old Dominion, Ximines racked up 51 tackles for loss, 32.5 sacks and 11 forced fumbles for his career. His variety of pass rush moves and counters served him well in college to make consistent plays behind the line of scrimmage. While he’s likely to be a situational rusher at the next level, his appeal on every down is diminished by modest functional athleticism and play strength which presents some restrictions. Ximines should provide value in sub packages in a 3-4 defense with the upside to develop into a bigger role with improvement.</p></blockquote>
<p id="crAu6e">- Joe Marino (The Draft Network - <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/oshane-ximines">Scouting Report</a>) </p>
<h2 id="kdUl2W">Does He Fit The Giants?</h2>
<p id="sz7fUw">Ximines (or X-Man, as <a href="https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1121989590871572480?s=20">Pat Shurmur called him</a>), should be a solid fit as a rotational piece in James Bettcher’s multiple defense. He has the versatility to rush as a defensive end or as a linebacker, from both inside and outside alignments, depending on down, distance, and subpackage. </p>
<p id="qkfWqm">Ximines is an average athlete, but compensates for it with good, active hands and a variety of pass rush moves to keep blockers from being able to lock in on his chest plate and gain leverage. His first step could probably be best described as “okay” at the moment — it isn’t bad, but it also isn’t a strength. He shows some wasted motion off the snap, particularly out of a three-point stance. He will be a more effective rusher at the NFL level if he is able to generate more explosive power and push off without losing energy along the way.</p>
<p id="17lt9C">As a 6-foot-3, 253-pound EDGE rusher, Ximines would typically expected to be a speed rusher, but between his first step and some lower body (hips and ankle) stiffness, he is forced to be more of a power rusher. Ximines has built his game around that, favoring both a straight bull-rush and a long-arm move to take advantage of his upper body strength and natural leverage. He does have an effective arm-over move as a speed counter for when tackles are expecting his power moves. </p>
<p id="ZtsZCn">All told, Ximines is a high-floor player who should be a good locker room presence and slot in fairly early as a rotational piece and a regular feature in third down packages. His athletic limitations might keep him from being a high-ceiling player, but even a steady contributor is still useful.</p>
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https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/4/27/18519696/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-oshane-ximines-edge-old-dominion-scouting-report-ny-giants-newsChris Pflum2019-04-25T23:57:38-04:002019-04-25T23:57:38-04:00Georgia CB Deandre Baker should help the Giants’ pass coverage
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Middle Tennessee at Georgia" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/owcHPjFviLmz5g85GqDOJsetN4w=/0x0:4414x2943/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63394102/usa_today_11251875.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Could Georgia cb Deandre Baker be an eventual replacement for Janoris Jenkins?</p> <p id="6fIysJ">How set are the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> secondary? They retained <span>Janoris Jenkins</span> and added <span>Jabrill Peppers</span> and <span>Antoine Bethea</span> while also hoping for <span>Sam Beal</span> and <span>Grant Haley</span> to step up. </p>
<p id="z3QmQR">However, <span>Jenkins</span> is not likely in the Giants plans for long, and the team doesn’t have much behind Jenkins and Grant at the cornerback position. And while this is generally regarded as a weak draft for cornerback, there are some who are promising. </p>
<p id="1yZYSo">Georgia CB <span>Deandre Baker</span> was regarded as one of the very best prospects in the draft class at the start of the 2018 season. He took a step back from a stellar 2017 season, but remains a good cornerback prospect for the right defense.</p>
<h2 id="QWydTh">Measurables</h2>
<div id="mTvINQ"><iframe src="https://www.mockdraftable.com/embed/deandre-baker?position=CB&page=GRAPH" width="480" height="651" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<h2 id="C15Gsu">Pros</h2>
<ul>
<li id="893jZk">Good feet and hips. Easy change of direction.</li>
<li id="W7zFGa">Long arms help break up passes.</li>
<li id="OfQcZ6">Quick to close when in off or zone coverage. </li>
<li id="BLTIy6">Hard hitter in space who separates the receiver from the ball.</li>
<li id="ApLnWY">Good football IQ, tends to put himself where the ball is going.</li>
<li id="QLrpfB">Experienced in both man and zone coverage. </li>
<li id="THEfRh">Competitive player who seems to have a short memory.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="NmgR9h">Cons</h2>
<ul>
<li id="TWDJ9g">Unspectacular athlete for the position. Teams looking for speed could be disappointed.</li>
<li id="I9daXq">Inconsistent tackler in the run game. </li>
<li id="oqeXIN">Size might be an issue for some teams. </li>
</ul>
<h2 id="QZU3Ft">Prospect Video</h2>
<div id="t0UFP9"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pp9O_NS1dW4?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="6Cqx6Z">What They’re Saying </h2>
<blockquote><p id="0EiJ2F">Pesky press corner who has proven he can thrive against man-to-man challenges in a competitive conference. Baker isn’t a burner, but has good play speed and the foot quickness and pattern recognition to stay tight in his coverage. The biggest issue teams might have with Baker is determining whether or not he can give up 30-plus pounds against bigger, outside receivers and still hold up. While there might be some matchup concerns at times, his ball skills, talent and competitive nature should overcome his smaller frame.</p></blockquote>
<p id="mLoHPi">- Lance Zierlein (NFL.com - <a href="https://www.nfl.com/prospects/deandre-baker?id=32194241-4b15-3940-10a0-574123606152">Scouting Report</a>) </p>
<h2 id="p7x06p">Does He Fit The Giants?</h2>
<p id="Mc4DAW">If the GIants are looking for a cornerback to replace <span>Janoris Jenkins</span> and create a young tandem with <span>Sam Beal</span>, then Baker could be a good one to look at. </p>
<p id="wCC0vO">He isn’t as highly regarded as he was entering the season, but that was coming off of a 2017 season in which he allowed just 5 receptions on 19 targets in 15 games (holding opposing quarterbacks to a completion percentage of 26.3 percent). Shutting opposing offenses down to that extent is not sustainable and regression was going to happen, and this season was seen as something of a disappointment.</p>
<p id="Zy7dHf">On the field, Baker shows quick feet and fluid hips which let him cover receivers tightly, at times appearing to run their routes for them. Georgia played a fairly diverse coverage scheme, asking Baker to line up in both man and zone coverages, and he played well in both. In man coverage his feet and hips saw him through, while in zone his length, closing burst, and football IQ helped him stand out. He might be a better zone corner than man at the next level, if only because his long speed could be an issue dealing with faster receivers, but he should be able to hold his own in both. </p>
<p id="lEyRva">It is possible that Baker could be one of the first two cornerbacks selected in the draft, but an uninspiring position group as a whole and the depth chart seems muddied. It is certainly possible that his lack of elite measurables will drop him to the second day.</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/4/11/18306357/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-deandre-baker-cb-georgia-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2019-04-25T22:29:39-04:002019-04-25T22:29:39-04:00Meet the Giants’ newest hog molly, Clemson DT Dexter Lawrence
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Clemson at Texas A&amp;M" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/D0qIS2BHWA9nb77SFmy1o0dIwmc=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63324540/usa_today_11240762.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Does Clemson DT Dexter Lawrence make sense for the Giants?</p> <p id="iAuf4m">Do the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> need to draft another defensive tackle highly? That is a question they need to ask themselves heading in to the 2019 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. Given the incredible depth of the front seven class, and the defensive tackle class in particular, they might not be able to avoid drafting one if they stick to a pure “best player available” model.</p>
<p id="d5mtCt">As it stands, the Giants have <span>B.J. Hill</span> and <span>Dalvin Tomlinson</span> locked in as starters for 2019, but the Giants have a history of not extending their second round picks, and <span>Tomlinson</span> is entering the third year of his rookie contract. If the team doesn’t plan on extending Tomlinson after the 2020 season, perhaps they could look <span>Dexter Lawrence</span> out of Clemson. </p>
<p id="envzrw">Lawrence was a key piece in the middle of the defensive front which lead Clemson to the National Championship. It is entirely possible that he will be the highest rated player on the Giants board for one of their picks. </p>
<h2 id="zvQCsW">Measurables</h2>
<div id="DtFfJL"><iframe src="https://www.mockdraftable.com/embed/dexter-lawrence?position=DL&page=GRAPH" width="480" height="651" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<h2 id="2ntWrm">Pros</h2>
<ul>
<li id="vC88hI">Big and massively powerful defensive tackle. </li>
<li id="4WotlN">Capable of playing multiple alignments in multiple fronts.</li>
<li id="GR1arn">Carries his weight very well and is surprisingly athletic for a 340 pound man. </li>
<li id="hhku3N">Uses hands well to deal with cut blocks.</li>
<li id="MmQlW3">Immovable when he sinks his hips. </li>
<li id="r5JMZr">Collapses pockets when playing behind his pads.</li>
<li id="Wt5Eox">Good effort in pursuit.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="YNt06T">Cons</h2>
<ul>
<li id="QIDozq">Not twitchy enough to be a consistent pass rush threat. </li>
<li id="sw64yW">Can be pushed around by offensive linemen if his hips and pad level rises. </li>
<li id="7uCAku">Needs to improve his hand usage and become more consistent.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="zZli1j">Prospect Video</h2>
<div id="IjT0BQ"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IpE7Uf09keo?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="rgJWJ6">What They’re Saying </h2>
<blockquote><p id="zZxRGc">Lawrence’s play strength, size and processing skills make him an ideal fit as a 4-3 shade or nose tackle in a 3-4 alignment. While he plays with a hot motor and outstanding effort throughout each rep, Lawrence doesn’t have the juice, flexibility or hand technique to be a consistent pass rusher in the NFL. He is capable of pushing the pocket and does well to get his hands in throwing lanes. Lawrence should be an early starter, providing strong contributions on early downs and a consistent winner at the point of attack. He can help a defense become more stout.</p></blockquote>
<p id="GYTFEA">- Joe Marino (The Draft Network - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMv4B_C2fYA">Scouting Report</a>) </p>
<h2 id="thPnDF">Does He Fit The Giants?</h2>
<p id="VCAZmP">Every defensive scheme needs a good nose tackle, so yes, Lawrence fits in their defense. However, he could be so much more than just a nose tackle. </p>
<p id="2UPSFe">While many will look at his 6-foot-4, 340-pound frame and picture him clogging running lanes and holding up guard/center double-teams, he is also capable of lining up as a 3-technique or 5-technique depending on down, distance, and subpackages. Lawrence did not get a chance to perform a full combine workout after straining a quad running a 5.05 second 40-yard dash, but that and his game tape is enough to prove his athleticism. </p>
<p id="StLrj1">When he plays with good leverage and hand usage, Lawrence can be an immovable object or an irresistible force. There are few offensive linemen who can stand up to Lawrence’s bull rush when he is able to get his hands inside their shoulders and under their pads. That being said, when he does let his pad level rise, he can be bent back and pushed around. </p>
<p id="4VnU5F">Lawrence does have some upside as a pass rusher, but it is dependent on his power. His hands aren’t terribly fast, and (understandably) his lateral agility isn’t fantastic, which can limit him in short areas. Of course, for a player his size, we shouldn’t expect mobility like a 290- or 300-pound player. His versatility could make for an interesting rotation with <span>B.J. Hill</span> and <span>Dalvin Tomlinson</span> if the Giants do decide to select him.</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/3/30/18288114/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-dexter-lawrence-dt-clemson-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2019-04-25T15:00:00-04:002019-04-25T15:00:00-04:00Mississippi State EDGE Montez Sweat checks a lot of “Giants” boxes
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Senior Bowl" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AzPy87XVNRPzfpzOMTUc_Z8OpSQ=/0x0:3353x2235/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63647541/usa_today_12060643.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sweat might just be scratching the surface of his potential</p> <p id="Cp7pNW">The <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> like long, explosive athletes rushing the passer for their defense. </p>
<p id="GsGLm4">While many other things have changed over the last year and a half, that much has not. And with the team all but hanging a “Help Wanted” sign outside of their defensive meeting room, it would be a surprise if they did not find at least one pass rusher in the upcoming draft. And considering that this is an incredibly deep and diverse draft for pass rushers, and defensive linemen in general, it would be a stunning development if the Giants came out of the draft without acquiring a pass rusher. </p>
<p id="4jrJ5B">Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat checks almost all of the Giants’ boxes when it comes to selecting a pass rusher, with elite athleticism, prototypical size and length, and good college production to his name. </p>
<p id="25hvLO">After dominating <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/senior-bowl">Senior Bowl</a> practices -- which the Giants weight heavily -- and the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine (as did <span>Saquon Barkley</span> and <span>Lorenzo Carter</span>, as well as <span>B.J. Hill</span>, in his own way), Sweat might be a favorite for the Giants in the first round of this year’s draft. It would be a good idea to be familiar with him. </p>
<h2 id="imLnJO">Measurables</h2>
<div id="vzOrBO"><iframe src="https://www.mockdraftable.com/embed/montez-sweat?position=EDGE&page=GRAPH" width="480" height="651" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<h2 id="HwrwnL">Pros</h2>
<ul>
<li id="Nraluo">Legitimately rare blend of height, weight, and speed. </li>
<li id="N8jCSb">Tested out as a truly freakish athlete.</li>
<li id="1Xxf5I">Uses his length and burst well to beat blockers and keep them from locking in.</li>
<li id="g1uvxx">Blends power and speed moves in his pass rush. </li>
<li id="V286LR">Rangy and dogged in pursuit of plays.</li>
<li id="Ep2Cf8">Sets a firm edge in the run game.</li>
<li id="gDJxyg">Shows good discipline and patience as a rusher. Doesn’t run himself out of plays.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="RQ8NXc">Cons</h2>
<ul>
<li id="RJs3K7">Doesn’t have a great feel for clogging passing lanes.</li>
<li id="vD1gv8">Diagnosed with an undisclosed heart condition. </li>
<li id="75uP0G">Almost always in a three-point stance.</li>
<li id="REYdoY">Was kicked out of Michigan State for a “violation of team rules”</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="L32XSa">Prospect Video</h2>
<div id="qQSQpn"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r2CZ8WzDqts?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="34RNXT">What They’re Saying </h2>
<p id="mnCM1p">“Some will see Sweat as a leggy edge prospect with average play strength and a lack of refinement in his pass rush. I see a talent, similar to <span>Danielle Hunter</span> out of LSU, with above-average length and a prospect who should continue to grow into his frame, allowing him to unleash his rush flashes into a consistent attack. His transition as an NFL rusher will take some time, but like <span>Hunter</span>, he should come out on the other side as a good, impact starter as an every-down edge defender.” </p>
<p id="xzGoYB">- Lace Zierlein (NFL.com - <a href="https://www.nfl.com/prospects/montez-sweat?id=32195357-4503-4375-fdbc-389a73a5ddc5">Scouting Report</a>) </p>
<h2 id="HULyMo">Does He Fit The Giants?</h2>
<p id="CNULVu">Yes. </p>
<p id="fzmZrZ">Montez Sweat is an almost prototypical EDGE prospect, with length, speed, power, agility, technique, and production. Sweat is probably the most freakish athlete in this draft, and might be the best athlete in the NFL when he is drafted, but his game is enhanced by his athleticism, not predicated on it. </p>
<p id="Gjmw63">He comes out as a solid technician who uses his tools well to create space from blockers and beat them, rather than just “Out Athlete-ing” them. His rushes are usually disciplined, keeping aware of play-fakes, and playing contain on his way to the quarterback. And getting to the quarterback was something he did often. Since arriving at Mississippi State, Sweat was consistently productive, getting 101 tackles, 30 tackles for a loss, and 22.5 sacks (divided almost evenly in his two seasons there).</p>
<p id="FGpFh9">As Stephen White concluded in <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/3/15/18263489/montez-sweat-nfl-draft-2019-mississippi-state-scouting-report-defensive-end">his own (more... colorful) profile of Sweat</a>, if you were to draw up a prototypical NFL edge defender, he would look an awful lot like Montez Sweat. </p>
<p id="kfEnS9">The biggest concern, at least for the public at large, with Sweat is a perceived inability to bend the edge as a pass rusher. And while his long legs and height do lend that some credence -- all athletes have to obey physics, regardless of how physically talented they are -- it has more to do with how Mississippi State used him. Sweat spent most of his snaps in college at the 4 or 5-technique positions, and only rarely at the wider 7 or 9-technique spots. While playing head-up on offensive tackles let Sweat use his length and strength to control blockers, it didn’t put him in great position to allow him to show off his bend around the edge. </p>
<p id="kSIRe3">But when he was lined up more widely, Sweat showed solid bend around the edge attacking the C-gap, such as in this sack against Auburn.</p>
<div id="cLo2ID"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.0915%;"><iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/jRMwVB1sEjjGPUVNej" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="ZS4Tre">For the Giants in particular, Sweat is a bit of a projection because he played 97 percent of his snaps in a 3-point stance (per Sports Info Solutions), and was rarely rushing out of a two-point stance. But while the Giants are nominally a 3-4 defense and Sweat’s position in a base package would be outside linebacker, he would likely spend most of his time with his hand in the dirt as the Giants spent most of their time in four-man front nickel packages. Sweat doesn’t have any athletic limitations for playing from a two point stance -- his movement skills grade out as better than average for linebackers despite being a couple inches and 20 pounds bigger than most linebackers -- and it should just be a matter of coaching. Sweat isn’t comfortable dropping into coverage, but whichever team drafts him would be insane to have him do anything other than go downhill on just about every snap.</p>
<p id="dTHYys">The only real concerns for Sweat come off the field. The first is the fact that he was kicked out of Michigan State for violating team rules after stealing a bicycle and allegedly being caught with marijuana (<a href="https://www.wkar.org/post/icymi-transcript-craig-evans-defense-mark-dantonio#stream/0">according to former teammate Craig Evans</a>, who was dismissed at the same time for team violations). Sweat seems to have matured in the years since, and isn’t hiding anything about his past, but NFL teams will want to do their due diligence. </p>
<p id="3nKWCR">The larger concern is a heart condition which had the doctors at the NFL scouting combine take a thorough look. Sweat’s condition was, apparently known since college (though not by the public at large) and he was cleared to play in the SEC as well as to participate in the Senior Bowl and in the Combine. For his privacy, details have been kept out of the public eye, but teams will have to judge for themselves what the risk is, and whether it is palatable. </p>
<p id="K14hLQ">Without expert access to his medical records or private detectives to dig in to his character and past, we can only judge Sweat by what the player we see on the field.</p>
<p id="bbzEPr">Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported shortly before the draft that Sweat saw a specialist and the specialist believes Sweat was misdiagnosed at the Combine. </p>
<div id="XkTs7v">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">From our NFL pre-draft coverage: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSU</a> pass-rusher Montez Sweat may have been misdiagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Two sources say the thickness of Sweat's heart wall is actually 1.5 cms, not nearly 2.0. I explain below why the risk could be much lower. <a href="https://t.co/PUVsbO2tDw">pic.twitter.com/PUVsbO2tDw</a></p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1121461567336402945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="Cf62uL">And as a player on the field, Sweat profiles as a faster, more explosive, more agile, and more productive version of Jadeveon Clowney. That is a player in whom the Giants have to be interested.</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/4/25/18509254/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-montez-sweat-edge-mississippi-state-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2019-04-25T10:00:00-04:002019-04-25T10:00:00-04:00Houston DL Ed Oliver could be a difference maker for the Giants’ defense
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Texas Tech at Houston" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7Av2XKPi8Ilhcw4lKDkYiUjyvkU=/0x0:3495x2330/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63647522/usa_today_10299417.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Dave Gettleman is looking for an impact defensive lineman, and Oliver could be that guy</p> <p id="IG4w6J">Houston’s <span>Ed Oliver</span> has been one of the most hotly anticipated draft prospects to come out in years, probably since <span>Jadeveon Clowney</span> was drafted in 2014. </p>
<p id="Kstw4R">The 6-foot-2, 285-pound athletic freak has been on the NFL’s radar since he was a coveted high school recruit. He surprised by landing in Houston, but never made any secret of the fact that his goal was to be a top draft pick and play in the NFL. </p>
<p id="b8FpBm">Oliver will finally be drafted this year, and will be one of the first players selected in the 2019 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. The <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> happen to need difference makers at every level of their defense, and have a general manager with a penchant for selecting defensive tackles. After posting elite jumps at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine and a pro day short shuttle which eclipsed <span>Saquon Barkley</span>’s -- not to mention three years at Houston where he produced despite being out of position -- Oliver should be firmly on the Giants’ radar for the sixth overall selection. </p>
<h2 id="XGdA5H">Measurables</h2>
<div id="74ao4h"><iframe src="https://www.mockdraftable.com/embed/ed-oliver?position=DL&page=GRAPH" width="480" height="651" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<h2 id="qsjou3">Pros</h2>
<ul>
<li id="lzLX91">Incredible athlete. Elite burst, agility, and speed for the position.</li>
<li id="BeddYm">Surprisingly good power for an undersized tackle.</li>
<li id="E6C4yl">Incredible first step. Consistently the first player moving.</li>
<li id="c4xTNR">Fantastic movement skills. Moves like a player 40 pounds lighter.</li>
<li id="OvukWW">Plays with good pad level and leverage.</li>
<li id="z6Tw3N">Routinely disrupts in the backfield.</li>
<li id="KOwN53">Productive and disruptive despite being played out of position.</li>
<li id="TNodky">Great hustle. Plays with a wide-open motor.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="nSAq3J">Cons</h2>
<ul>
<li id="on1BOl">Needs to continue to improve his hand usage. </li>
<li id="bFZxa5">Light and lacks length compared to the position prototype. </li>
</ul>
<h2 id="uWmtCb">Prospect Video</h2>
<div id="hXDbOi"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R4I7s51VNhY?rel=0&start=21" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="lbQUcr">What They’re Saying </h2>
<blockquote><p id="KEd7vl">“<span>Ed Oliver</span>’s ability to penetrate with quickness off the snap and utilize his hands to play through contact makes him an ideal fit as a three-technique in a 4-3 alignment. While he lacks size, Oliver plays with tremendous leverage and offers the play strength needed to exchange power on the interior. By year three, Oliver has the upside to become one of the NFL’s premier defensive playmakers against the run and pass.” </p></blockquote>
<p id="gviXG2">- Joe Marino (The Draft Network - <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/ed-oliver">Scouting Report</a>) </p>
<h2 id="dwxLwx">Does He Fit The Giants?</h2>
<p id="Z6wHti">Of the “blue chip” players likely to be available when the Giants are selecting at sixth overall, Ed Oliver might present the best fit and value. </p>
<p id="0YZI4x">His tape can be a bit of a challenge to scout as he was horribly (and mystifyingly) miscast as a 0-technique nose tackle in Houston’s defensive scheme. The fact that he got the production that he did from that position is a testament to his abilities as a disruptive presence on the defensive interior. Oliver is commonly cast as a 3-technique in a 4-3 Under defense, and while some might assume that makes him a bad schematic fit for the Giants, it isn’t an obstacle at all. </p>
<p id="FdyP0L">Not only did the Giants play with a four-man front on the majority of their downs, but Oliver’s power and athleticism more than make up for any lack of length on his part. The purpose of drafting linemen with long arms is to help ensure that your player gets his hands on the other guy first. Oliver’s explosive first step, natural leverage and power, and fluid movement skills should up for the time that a couple inches of arm length would afford. </p>
<p id="R4ICwn">That athleticism also offers a host of possibilities for a creative defensive mind. Not only will it make him a dangerous pass rusher once he is put in position to do so, but it will also allow him to rush from all over the defensive front or even drop into a shallow zone to create confusion on the offensive line. </p>
<p id="8e1NQh">Oliver is not yet a finished product, and he will need coaching -- particularly in his technique and hand usage to help finish rushes. There was also an incident where he got into a dust-up with Houston’s (since fired) head coach. The argument started when Oliver sat out the game after suffering a knee injury the week before, and opted to wear a jacket on the sideline. Houston’s coach didn’t want his players wearing jackets on the sideline and an argument ensued. </p>
<aside id="BWT0zI"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Ed Oliver and Major Applewhite had a really dramatic week together","url":"https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/11/16/18098328/ed-oliver-major-applewhite-jacket-injury"}]}'></div></aside><p id="GgZP8K">Oliver fits the Giants’ defense, regardless of which sub-package or alignment they happen to be in, and should present good value, even at the sixth overall pick. The bigger question is whether or not a 280 pound defensive tackle is too small for Dave Gettleman, or whether Oliver will be selected by a team drafting in front of the Giants.</p>
<p id="kGSJRd"></p>
<p id="xOWJqc"></p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/4/25/18509247/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-ed-oliver-dl-houston-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2019-04-24T11:00:00-04:002019-04-24T11:00:00-04:00Kentucky EDGE Josh Allen bet on himself and is now one of the best players in the draft
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Kentucky at Louisville" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2rioySMK1I4kqJGE4cWrfumuTow=/0x0:4490x2993/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63647502/usa_today_11727728.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It’s unlikely that Kentucky EDGE Josh Allen will be available for the Giants, but we can dream</p> <p id="2YCmrk">It is a measure of just how loaded the 2019 Draft is along the defensive front that any one of the top prospects would likely be a consensus number one selection in almost any other year. </p>
<p id="jGYc5t">One of those players is also a lesson on the importance of patience, work ethic, and player development. </p>
<p id="qqS3Pp">Kentucky’s <span>Josh Allen</span> was considered a solid prospect for the 2018 draft and would have been one of the first EDGE players off the board -- though he wouldn’t have challenged Bradley Chubb for the title of top EDGE. Instead, he returned to school and saw a dramatic improvement over his senior season. </p>
<p id="yMv3bU">Now <span>Allen</span> is reckoned as one of the top prospects in the entire draft and a likely top five selection. With the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> drafting at sixth overall, it’s unlikely that he will fall to them, but crazy things happen on draft night so we should take a look at him.</p>
<h2 id="52rEqz">Measurables</h2>
<div id="lWzbtT"><iframe src="https://www.mockdraftable.com/embed/josh-allen-2019?position=EDGE&page=GRAPH" width="480" height="651" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<h2 id="OISiTc">Pros</h2>
<ul>
<li id="6xyYUh">Prototypical size, weight, and frame for the position. </li>
<li id="Sb6YLJ">Played left and right EDGE, from two and three-point stances, as well as off-ball linebacker.</li>
<li id="LDwWfK">Very good athlete with an elite first step.</li>
<li id="3w9s0G">Excellent hand usage. </li>
<li id="V7DC7c">Very quick in a phone booth</li>
<li id="Pwh8hv">Very physical player. Sets a firm edge in run support and looks to deliver hits.</li>
<li id="mZFFPh">Experienced and comfortable dropping into coverage.</li>
<li id="3l0uKw">Shows good awareness in zone coverage.</li>
<li id="NLAZhF">Got better every year at Kentucky. </li>
<li id="j3WQvb">Elite production his senior year: 88 tackles, 21.5 tackles for a loss, 17 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 4 passes defensed.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="t6PcUq">Cons</h2>
<ul>
<li id="O33Kav">Shows some slight lower-body tightness. </li>
<li id="nQBTYi">Could do a better job of incorporating counter moves in his pass rush.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="u2ntPI">Prospect Video</h2>
<div id="5jONeR"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/guV-FyX0Mw0?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="qSQoFk">What They’re Saying </h2>
<blockquote><p id="iIDpHR">“True hybrid linebacker with elite physical traits who has the ability to float between coverage and pass rush duties. <span>Allen</span>’s diverse skill-set could offer a creative defensive mind a fun toy to deploy around the field, but his NFL value will rest in his ability to menace the pocket as 3-4 rush linebacker. He’s fine-tuned a couple of go-to rush moves but will need to continue to diversify his rush portfolio as a pro. He’s not a glass-chewer and doesn’t always impose his will at the point of attack, but the tools to become dominant as a run defender and pass rusher are all at his disposal.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="Jdlkct"> Lance Zierlein (NFL.com - <a href="https://www.nfl.com/prospects/josh-allen?id=3219414c-4c52-8759-5d19-904fa0fc8823">Scouting Report</a>) </p>
<h2 id="mss6Qj">Does He Fit The Giants?</h2>
<p id="rsoUus">Yes. </p>
<p id="ie9T2A"><span>Allen</span> would be one of the best candidates for EDGE player for the Giants’ defense. His ability to rush the passer and generally disrupt offenses in opponent’s backfields would certainly be a welcome addition to a Giants’ defense that is lacking in the ability to do those things. <span>Allen</span> also has the ability to rush standing up as well as with his hand in the dirt, as well as play effectively as an off-ball linebacker. And while <span>Allen</span> should be going downhill and into opponent’s backfields on the vast majority of his snaps, the ability to drop into coverage would help with James Bettcher’s blitz schemes. </p>
<p id="6vC48t"><span>Allen</span>’s hand usage is very good for a player coming out of college and he shows a variety of moves to keep blockers from locking in on him and absorbing his first step. He isn’t a power rusher, but does show solid strength when setting an edge in the run game.</p>
<p id="ufdJPD">Pointing out the negatives in <span>Allen</span>’s game is really an exercise in nitpicking. He has good bend compared to most pass rushers, but there is some slight lower-body tightness that can compromise his balance when trying to accelerate while turning a tight corner. He could also do a better job of exploiting inside rushing lanes when they present himself. </p>
<p id="xwHxKT">Allen would be an outstanding addition to the Giants’ defense, but while almost anything is possible in the draft, it is very unlikely that he lasts to the sixth overall pick</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/4/24/18509238/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-josh-allen-edge-kentucky-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2019-04-23T11:00:00-04:002019-04-23T11:00:00-04:00Alabama DT Quinnen Williams shouldn’t be available, but it just might happen
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: College Football Playoff National Championship-Clemson vs Alabama" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TxWxvjv-EAoEZWScnPZRwWbNH94=/0x660:3648x3092/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63647476/usa_today_11966020.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Alabama DT Quinnen Williams is too good to fall to sixth overall, but he might.</p> <p id="Ngubeg">Alabama defensive tackle <span>Quinnen Williams</span> should not fall out of the first five picks in the 2019 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. It could probably be argued that he shouldn’t even fall out of the top three picks in the draft. </p>
<p id="4dXckP">And yet it remains in the realm of possibility that the player widely regarded as the top defender -- and player -- in the 2019 NFL Draft could actually fall to the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> at sixth overall. It isn’t likely, but if the draft happens to break the right way, it is potentially possible that Dave Gettleman’s wildest dreams could come true. </p>
<p id="suj0NO">That would be fantastic news for a general manager who loves to draft interior defensive linemen and a defense that can use more talent at every level. And that is why the Giants used their final Top 30 visit to bring Williams in for a private visit. </p>
<p id="JXO4DR">It’s unlikely that Quinnen Williams becomes a Giant, but if it is possible we need to account for that possibility and do our own due diligence.</p>
<h2 id="PZjFsw">Measurables</h2>
<div id="5HH7Ti"><iframe src="https://www.mockdraftable.com/embed/quinnen-williams?position=DL&page=GRAPH" width="480" height="651" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<h2 id="UVtrxE">Pros</h2>
<ul>
<li id="YyaHSc">Excellent first step. </li>
<li id="hwVwq5">Plays with good leverage and surprising power for a smaller tackle. </li>
<li id="oWFD6N">Keeps his pad level down and gets under blockers’ pads.</li>
<li id="kXJoIZ">Excellent hand usage to fight through waves of blockers.</li>
<li id="sWJa3J">Can play all along the defensive front, from 0 to 5-technique. </li>
<li id="voF8e5">Good agility to execute stunts and twists.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="31v7WO">Cons</h2>
<ul><li id="MdITL0">Only has one year of production.</li></ul>
<h2 id="yy1wEz">Prospect Video</h2>
<div id="SLL45b"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Fx0xwBOpTg?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="w6SWry">What They’re Saying </h2>
<blockquote><p id="1AnhLd">“One of the easiest evaluations you’ll ever see, Quinnen Williams was the most dominant defensive player in all of college football last season, despite being just a redshirt sophomore and a one-year starter. His power, quickness, rush plan and hand usage are all elite, but the scary part is that he still has some room to improve in his counters and in his mental processing. He can play anywhere on the interior defensive line and should be a multi-All Pro player in the NFL.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="Vti3zG">- Jon Ledyard (The Draft Network - <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/quinnen-williams">Scouting Report</a>) </p>
<h2 id="BLbt6u">Does He Fit The Giants?</h2>
<p id="ptP7rh">Yes. </p>
<p id="5sPn44">Quinnen Williams is another one of those prospects who has a fit in any competent defensive scheme. He is a very good athlete with polished technique and the ability to be a difference maker in both the run and pass games. Williams played all over the Alabama front and should be a natural fit as a 3-technique in four-man fronts or a defensive end in 3-man fronts. Considering just about every NFL defense runs both of those fronts at some point in a game, Williams should only have to come off the field for rest.</p>
<p id="lN3YkB">If there are any shortcomings to Williams as a prospect it is that he only has one year of production after having to wait his turn behind defensive tackles who are currently playing in the NFL. That isn’t a negative per se, but the lack of a track record and relatively limited tape does leave some questions with how he will deal with bigger or more athletic interior blockers, as well as offensive adjustments to his presence. </p>
<p id="XOWntd">But the tape we do have is absolutely dominant, so those questions are muted. </p>
<p id="3mRPgj">Williams shouldn’t fall to the Giants at sixth overall. In a sane process, he would be one of the first three or four players drafted and shouldn’t even have to wait that long. However, with the intrigue surrounding the quarterback position and the disparity in value between defensive tackle and EDGE, it is within the realm of possibility that the best defensive player in the draft could fall to the Giants.</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/4/23/18509230/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-quinnen-williams-dt-alabama-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2019-04-22T11:00:00-04:002019-04-22T11:00:00-04:00Is Devin Bush the new-age linebacker the Giants need?
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Nebraska at Michigan" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZVrlbwHlf2ccIB32089C4a32Sik=/0x93:2400x1693/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63647463/usa_today_11301571.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Detroit Free Press-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Michigan’s Devin Bush could start day one as the Giants’ moneybacker</p> <p id="vwTUcS">It would be a surprise if the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> did not add a pass rusher at some point (or at multiple points) in the 2019 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. But what about the other parts of the defense? The Giants still have needs at every level, including linebacker.</p>
<p id="rMd8sy">Despite trading for <span>Alec Ogletree</span> a year ago, the Giants’ linebacking corps remains a disappointment. So could the team look to use one of their first round selections to shore up the middle of their defense? If so, they might want to follow the lead of the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> (who selected defensive rookie of the year <span>Darius Leonard</span>) and find themselves an athletic off-ball linebacker who can keep up with modern offenses. </p>
<p id="zywcWJ">In that case they should take a close look at <span>Devin Bush</span> out of Michigan. </p>
<h2 id="F9cJD1">Measurables</h2>
<div id="r3lnuq"><iframe src="https://www.mockdraftable.com/embed/devin-bush?position=LB&page=GRAPH" width="480" height="651" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<h2 id="4u1AW9">Pros</h2>
<ul>
<li id="VOvnot">Highly athletic off-ball linebacker.</li>
<li id="zRN9N2">Shows good instincts and fast processing. Usually takes an accurate first step.</li>
<li id="lNiAv2">Explosively powerful. Able to deliver a jolt to much larger linemen. </li>
<li id="T5eJ9l">Comfortable playing in space and very rangy.</li>
<li id="ywY6kh">Able to cover most tight ends and running backs in man coverage. </li>
<li id="E9Fh4L">Trusts his eyes and plays fast, but is also generally disciplined.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="aOUIuO">Cons</h2>
<ul>
<li id="VzayOG">Size limits him disengaging from blockers if they are ready for him.</li>
<li id="NeTzbj">Active hands, but needs to be more effective using them as a rusher.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="Efp8u6">Prospect Video</h2>
<div id="iyCaxP"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BTJAmXM8q9s?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="kmgYrz">What They’re Saying </h2>
<blockquote><p id="xJ1TyM"><span>Devin Bush</span> is a player who is set to benefit from this new era of play in the NFL. Bush’s mobility experience in numerous types of responsibilities against the run and upside as a 3rd down defender (blitz ability and potential in coverage) set him up for an impact role. Traditional reps thumping into interior gaps vs. OL takes Bush away from strengths, however. He should be utilized primarily in a gap penetration scheme with a strong DL.</p></blockquote>
<p id="9vZVF7">- Kyle Crabbs (The Draft Network - <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/devin-bush">Scouting Report</a>)</p>
<h2 id="Hblar4">Does He Fit The Giants?</h2>
<p id="WbGtUq">Devin Bush would be an excellent fit for the Giants’ linebacking unit. </p>
<p id="qYc9ON">He might be “undersized,” but he is undersized in the same kind of way that a Jack Russell Terrier is “undersized” -- it might be physically true, but he’s built like a coiled spring and there’s a stick of dynamite somewhere in the pedigree. </p>
<p id="kP8U8O">Bush is a perfect fit as a “new age” linebacker’s athleticism blurs the lines between linebacker and box safety. With the spread of Air Raid principles in the NFL, defenses need athletic players at every level of defense to better cover wide swaths of field, keep up with hyper-athletic offenses, and be better able to deal with the various conflicts into which offenses try to put defenders. </p>
<p id="EBO2OT">Devin Bush should be able to play any linebacker position, but he would be a natural “Moneybacker” in the Giants’ defense. There his frenetic play-style would help to keep the team from being gashed by running backs and tight ends in the passing game, while also helping out the pass rush as an athletic blitzer. It would also allow the Giants to move <span>Ogletree</span> to the strong-inside linebacker role. </p>
<p id="ZxnOQo">There are some things that Bush will still need to improve at the NFL level, such as getting off of blockers and navigating the clutter near the line of scrimmage. He is disciplined and instinctive, but he can occasionally lose track of his teammates while tracking the ball and get blocked by his own players. </p>
<p id="FM0APN">But despite those negatives and his size concerns, Bush should be a productive player very early in his career.</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/4/22/18509201/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-devin-bush-lb-michigan-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum