The 2013 NFL draft is almost here and the hype could not be any greater. But while everyone sets their focus on the must-watch first round, it’s those selections on the third and final day that should garner most of the attention.
If the stars are supposed to be found on Day One, those grind-it-out, team-first diamonds-in-the-rough that we, as football fans, can’t help but love, are often found long after most people have stopped watching on television.
Over the years, the New York Giants have become especially successful at finding dependable, productive players late in the draft or as undrafted free agents. In fact, running back Ahmad Bradshaw, offensive lineman David Diehl, linebacker Chase Blackburn and safety Stevie Brown were all key starters in 2012 that were selected in the fifth round or later. Pro Bowl receiver Victor Cruz, who has recorded two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, was an undrafted free agent in 2010.
This year’s class has some intriguing prospects projected to go late in the draft — or not at all — that could be valuable additions to the Giants’ roster. To follow is an evaluation of some of those players and their potential fit with the G-Men:
Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas
Knile Davis has serious injury troubles, but were it not for that, he would easily be one of this year’s top running backs. He boasts a spectacular combination of speed and power that should make most offensive coordinators salivate. His legs are always churning, battling for each and every yard he can pick up. He is a dependable receiver out of the backfield with soft hands and the good vision to find an open hole and explode through it.
The Giants have breakout 2012 first-rounder David Wilson and Andre Brown at the top of the depth chart right now. However, Brown’s own injury history does not indicate a long-term future there for the 26-year-old. Wilson is expected to be a fixture in New York for quite some time, but he’s best-suited splitting carries with another player. Davis would certainly be a nice companion without changing what the Giants expect from Wilson on most downs.
The biggest key to Davis’ success in the NFL will not only be overcoming his issues with injuries, but his tendency to fumble as well, something he shares with Wilson and Brown. New York is a team that preaches mistake-free football. Adding another player prone to committing errors in big moments may not be in the cards this year.
Braxston Cave, C, Notre Dame
As formerly stated, the Giants love to bolster their offensive line late in the draft or with undrafted free agents as evidenced by guys like Diehl and former starter, Rich Seubert. Notre Dame’s Braxston Cave could be the next in a line of quality starters that the Giants have found late in the draft.
With center David Baas’ future in New York unknown, the G-Men will need to find a replacement sooner or later. Who better than Cave, the anchor for a very successful Notre Dame offensive line in 2012?
Cave is a strong run blocker, with exceptional burst off the line of scrimmage. He shows good awareness in picking up blitzes and reacts accordingly. He is a smart player that has plenty of room for growth at the next level with good coaching. Few are better than Giants’ offensive line coach, Pat Flaherty.
Zac Stacy, RB, Vanderbilt
Providing another option to bolster the running back position, Vanderbilt’s Zac Stacy is one of many unsung prospects at the position this year. Stacy was a highly-productive ball carrier for a Vanderbilt program, not known for its rushing offense. He posted two consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and emerged as one of the better running backs in the Southeastern Conference.
There could be some concerns about Stacy’s injury history, as his running style leaves him open to taking a lot of hits. But Stacy is a brutal, power runner who would make a perfect complement to the speedy, lightning-quick David Wilson.
Demetrius McCray, CB, Appalachian State
The past two seasons in New York have proven that the Giants can never have enough depth at the cornerback position. Injuries have struck the team hard and the pass defense has suffered because of it.
Demetrius McCray may never prove to be a starter in the NFL, but he could provide solid depth with a presence in nickel and dime packages and on special teams.
In his final season at Appalachian State, McCray recorded 55 tackles, four pass breakups and four interceptions. He lined up on the outside and in the slot, as well as at safety during his collegiate career, proving to be a versatile commodity.
Jake Stoneburner, TE, Ohio State
The tight end position is not a major position of need for the Giants. But with little certainty regarding who will be around in 2014 at the position, it couldn’t hurt to add another talent to the roster.
As a blocker, Jake Stoneburner is a liability. Though a little bigger, the former Ohio State Buckeye is similar to former Giants’ tight end Travis Beckum. Stoneburner is a lethal threat as a possession receiver with the ability to stretch the field within any offense. He has good speed, hands and leaping ability, with excellent body control to go up and come down with the catch.
Stoneburner runs solid routes with perfect footwork. He was not especially productive during his collegiate career, but that may have had more to do with the offensive scheme at Ohio State than any lack of talent on his part.
Quanterus Smith, DE, Western Kentucky
The Giants’ vaunted pass rush has become merely a shell of its former self. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora is gone and Justin Tuck is on a steady decline. Jason Pierre-Paul has quickly become one of the NFL’s best defensive ends, but he needs help.
An underrated prospect with traits similar to those of JPP when he came out of college (in 2010), Western Kentucky’s Quanterus Smith, could be a steal for the Giants.
Smith has a nose for the football, boasting an impressive ability to chase down the ball carrier with sub-4.7 speed. He uses his hands well, has good explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and displays a sweet swim move that is difficult to stop.
Much of his production came against lower-tier competition in college, but Smith’s three-sack performance against the eventual National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide was a defining moment and an indication of his potential capabilities at the pro level. The Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year excelled against an elite offensive line. He even starred when lined up opposite first-round offensive tackle prospect D.J. Fluker; recording a sack, a forced fumble and multiple quarterback pressures.
A torn ACL suffered toward the end of his senior season may have hurt his draft stock, but Smith’s potential should draw New York’s interest.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.