By: Marco Imperati | Featured Columnist
NY Giants Rush combine preview: The NFL surprise
The NFL Combine is less than two weeks away and Giants fans are as excited than ever to put the 2014 season behind and move on to the all important #9 overall 1st round draft pick.
The combine is exciting for any ultimate fan because lets face it, we can really judge talent by watching players run the 40 and bench 225 lbs as many times as they can.
Although the combine doesn’t reveal the total package, it does reveal some freakish athletic talent. It seems in these days of crazy technology, Everyone has a forum to express an opinion, mock draft or position group he or she is pushing for.
An analyst I tend to follow closely is former NFL scout (Browns, Ravens, Eagles) Daniel Jeremiah. On his most recent “Move The Sticks” Podcast, Jeremiah ranked the top four position groups in this year’s 2015 NFL draft. At number 1? You may not have guessed…
Running Back!
I was surprised hearing this. In the past few years, the running back position has been deemed “devalued” because of the amount of backs that teams use and the lifeline at that position. According to Jeremiah, the position is “ loaded with double-digit guys that can come in and start.” He went on to mention the likes of the injured Georgia star RB Todd Gurley and former Wisconsin Heisman nominee, Melvin Gordon.
Watching these running backs at the combine will be fun, there is always a surprise. Of course their won’t be any middle linebackers staring them down in the box or an offensive line blocking for them. However, at the combine we can watch how smooth the backs are in running and fluid in cuts.
One more ultra important aspect is catching the ball. If a running back is going to get drafted in the 1st round this year, he better be able to showcase his dual threat ability of running and catching the ball.
And of course, the 40 yard dash. Everyone loves a fast runner! Check out a list, According to NFL.com, of the top five best 40 times at the combine:
1. Chris Johnson, RB (2008) 4.24 seconds
2. Dri Archer, RB (2014) 4.26 seconds
3. Marquise Goodwin, WR (2013) 4.27 seconds
4. Demarcus Van Dyke, CB (2011); Jacoby Ford, WR (2010) 4.28 seconds (tie)
5. Tye Hill, CB (2006);Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR (2009);Yamon Figurs, WR (2007-4.30 seconds