By Michael Stewart | NY Giants Rush Contributor
In my latest series of NY Giants Rush Draft Recap: Small School Talent with Big Potential, I will now focus on the defensive side of the ball for the Giants and give my top 10 college prospects that could impact the Giants.
- CB-De’Ante Saunders (Tennessee State) 5’11/200: Transferred out of Florida after starting for 2 seasons. Saunders could very well become a safety at the NFL level after playing CB at the collegiate level. Lacks elite speed, has great instincts and is solid against the run. Off field issues will hurt his draft stock.
- SS-Jaquiski Tartt (Samford) 6’1/218: Good size and solid in run support. Runs well (4.46) and could be a surprise in this year’s draft.
- OLB-Lynden Trail (Norfolk State) 6’7/260: A red –shirt at the Univ. of Florida, Trail transferred to Norfolk State where excelled on the field. A combination of size and speed makes Trail a very intriguing prospect. Can still put on another 15-20 pounds without effecting his speed.
- DT–Charles Tuaau (Texas A&M Commerce) 6’5/310: Moved around from junior college Riverside to Oregon State (never played as he failed their academic requirements) and then finally at Texas A&M Commerce. Basically an unknown, has displayed a disruptive side with an endless motor.
- DE–Zach Wagenmann (Montana) 6’3/250: Resembles Pro Bowler Clay Matthews with long blonde hair and also his ability to rush the quarterback. Very athletic with a blue-collar mentality
- DT–Xavier Williams (Northern Iowa) 6’4/311: Big and physical with above average agility. Williams also has a knack for blocking kicks (5 during the 2012 season).
- DE–Mike Reilly (William & Mary) 6’4/265: Quickness around the egde and a mean streak to match. Reily has an endless motor and also has a blue-collar work mentality.
- OLB–Zach Hodges (Harvard) 6’2/235: Endless motor, great acceleration off the ball.
- CB-Bryce Callahan (Rice) 5’10/180: Very physical for his size and has the temperament to win a roster spot on an NFL team.
- S-Dechane Durante (Northern Illinois) 6’2/200: Durante is a ball hawk (4 interceptions) and also excels against the run. With a solid combine; Durante could go as high as the 3rd
Final Thoughts:
This year’s draft will feature many talented prospects on the defensive side of the ball. Many have had a ton of exposure and rightly sure. However; we will see a couple of player fall through the cracks and become late round draft picks or possibly undrafted casualties. Will any of the above mentioned become that diamond in the rough; we’ll see.