Giants keeping eyes on five potential draft gems
The Giants’ No. 2 overall pick deservedly gets all the hype, but Dave Gettleman’s staff is scouting tons of players both for the draft and as potential undrafted free agent signings. Here is a rundown of some other names to watch in Big Blue’s scouting process:
l The Giants sent new special teams coach Thomas McGaughey to Pittsburgh in late March to visit with Quadree Henderson, the Panthers’ 2016 All-American return specialist and all-purpose wide receiver, according to sources. McGaughey was there to watch Henderson field punts and kickoffs and show off his speed. Henderson (5-8, 190 pounds), a junior, was second-team All-American as an “all-purpose player” two seasons ago. Henderson returned seven kicks for TDs (four kickoffs, three punts) in three college seasons, and his sophomore stats prove how useful he can be on offense, too (60 rushes, 631 yards, five TDs; 26 catches, 286 yards, one TD). NFL.com projects Henderson as a seventhrounder or possible UDFA.
l N.C. State’s Bradley Chubb is considered the top defensive end (and defensive player) in this draft, but don’t overlook University of Texas-San Antonio defensive end Marcus Davenport. The 6-6, 264-pound senior edge rusher could have a higher ceiling than Chubb, and it’s not out of the question he could be a Giants target in the event (though unlikely) that Gettleman trades out of No. 2 down to No. 12 with Buffalo, for example. Davenport, a three-sport athlete in high school (basketball, football, track) also has played as a stand-up rusher for the Roadrunners and could be the type of weapon that tantalizes new defensive coordinator James Bettcher.
l Stony Brook wide receiver Ray Bolden is an underdog for Giants fans to keep an eye on. Bolden (5-9, 165 pounds), I’m told, impressed both at the Seawolves’ pro day and at the Giants’ local pro day April 6. He made 66 catches for 780 yards and nine TDs in his third and final college season in 2017 playing in the Colonial Athletic Association. That came after he had 68 catches for 765 yards and five TDs back in 2015.
l Australian rugby player Jordan Mailata’s attempted conversion to NFL football as an offensive tackle will be an interesting story to watch. Mailata, 21, a 6-8, 346-pound athlete of Samoan origin, has private visits with the Steelers, Eagles, Browns, Chargers, Falcons and Washington, according to sources. The Giants haven’t scheduled a private visit, but they should keep an open mind given their need to further upgrade the offensive line — especially at right tackle or at least with tackle depth — and Mailata’s impressive measurables.
Full name Lafoga Jordan Mailata, the big fella impressed at his recent pro day at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. He didn’t participate in the NFL Combine, but his arms at his pro day measured a massive 35.5 inches, he was timed at 5.12 seconds in the 40-yard dash (would have been 7th among tackles at the combine), performed well in the short shuttle (4.67 seconds), and put up 22 reps in the bench press. That drew 17 NFL teams to register interest and the aforementioned six to confirm private visits. Will the Giants jump in late?
l Weber State defensive tackle McKay Murphy is a dark-horse prospect whose strong pro day sparked interest from close to a dozen NFL teams, including the Giants. Murphy (6-4, 295 pounds) is the son of longtime Major League Baseball standout Dale Murphy (two-time MVP in 1982, ’83; seven-time All-Star). He ran a 4.81 40-yard dash and says he’s benched 225 pounds 39 times, though a muscle strain reportedly caused him to stop at 23 during his pro day.