The New York Giants have work to do to in order to return as title contenders in 2013 and this weekend’s scouting combine is the first step in that process. This is where the Giants will have the opportunity to evaluate the incoming NFL prospects that could don a Big Blue jersey in the near future.
In the past, New York has proven to be very adept with the draft process, getting stars like defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, receiver Hakeem Nicks and running back Ahmad Bradshaw through it. All three were key contributors to the Super Bowl XLVI championship team.
With voids to be filled, the Giants will need to work their magic once again. Here’s a look at some players that should garner attention from the scouts in Indianapolis.
Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
The Giants are getting up there in age along the offensive line. With the 19th pick in the first round, Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher should be getting a ton of consideration right now.
The 6’7” tackle has all the tools to succeed in the NFL and, to improve matters, succeed immediately. A versatile athlete capable of playing at any spot on the line, Fisher could replace David Diehl at the right tackle position. If incumbent left tackle Will Beatty doesn’t pan out or goes unsigned, the Chippewa is an obvious choice to slide in and handle the blindside.
Fisher excels in pass protection and had a fantastic showing at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. last month. His long arms keep opposing pass rushers at bay, while his speed and strength ensure their presence keeps out of the backfield.
New York does not typically look to find an instant starter in the NFL draft, but if they’re blown away by Fisher, they may just risk the investment.
Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU
Kevin Minter is widely thought of as one of the top linebackers in the draft, alongside Georgia’s Alec Ogletree and Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o.
The Giants’ roster currently features a linebacking corps devoid of any real, dependable options. They may be able to get by in 2013, but the team shouldn’t put improvement of the unit off for much longer.
The junior from LSU had a spectacular final campaign with 130 tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. 15 tackles came in the backfield, where Minter became a dominant presence for the Tigers.
A major plus, contrary to the other two linebackers noted, is a resume clear of recent DUI charges and imaginary girlfriends – at least, as far as we know.
Le’Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State
The Giants cannot be certain what they will be able to get out of running back Andre Brown, whose season ended prematurely with a broken fibula. His career has been sidetracked by injuries since the start and it would not be wise to enter 2013 with only he and breakout star David Wilson on the depth chart.
Michigan State’s Le’Veon Bell is a powerhouse. He takes pleasure in barreling through defenders for extra yardage and is size and running style make a nice compliment to the speedster Wilson.
There are concerns about Bell’s quickness, and Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell went as far as to mention former Giants bust Ron Dayne in the same sentence when analyzing him.
Bell will have an opportunity to make doubters second-guess at the combine. If he does, he could be worth a selection in the middle rounds of the draft.
David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State
There’s no ignoring the Giants’ desperate need at the cornerback position. Veteran Corey Webster struggled mightily in 2012 and, though they may not be looking for an immediate replacement, his sudden decline signals a need for improvement.
The Wolfpack’s David Amerson is projected as a late-second-to-early-third-round pick with great speed and size (6’3”) to succeed in the NFL. He spent a lot of time in zone coverage, making him a capable fit in defensive coordinator Perry Fewell’s zone-heavy scheme.
His 2012 was underwhelming and his stock took a hit as a result, but the Hawaii native has a nose for the football. He recorded 18 interceptions over the last two seasons.
Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
There’s no way to know what the future holds for defensive ends Justin Tuck or Osi Umenyiora at this point, but neither is what they used to be. The Giants’ pass rush was unacceptable in 2012 and something must be done to help improve it should they wish to be successful in a pass-heavy NFL.
BYU’s Ezekiel Ansah compares well to the Giants’ most recent first-round defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. A freak of nature with unbelievable athletic gifts, Ansah appears to fit the mold of the type player that can catch the eye of general manager Jerry Reese.
Following an outstanding senior season, Ansah continued to boost his stock with a phenomenal performance at the Senior Bowl. Many pundits are very high on this guy right now and quite frankly, it wouldn’t be surprising to learn Reese and the Giants are too.
This guy is a must-watch at the combine.
Louis Musto is a contributor for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.