Giants 2016 Draft Preview: Running Back Prospects
By Michael Stewart
Continuing with our RB prospects, (Part 4 of 6) I will examine 3 RB prospects that should be available in either the 4th or 5th round of draft. Many will argue that the RB position for the Giants at the end of the season was probably their deepest with Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen, Williams and Darkwa. That might be true as the Giants had many holes on both sides of the ball. Regardless; GM Jerry Reese could be in the market for a RB either through the draft or free agency. Let’s look at the next three RB prospects that should be available on draft day.
- C.J Prosise (RB) Notre Dame 6’1/220 projected 3-4 round selection: In terms of experience, Prosise is a rookie in that respect as Prosise never played RB until the start of the 2015 season. Mostly played safety and WR for the fighting Irish, Prosise is built well and able to handle the physical part of the game. Very effective reading his blocks with no hesitation through the hole. Prosise versatility and his ability to catch the ball will serve him well in the draft and perhaps his stock will improve with a solid combine. Needs to learn to run with a lower base and not too upright as this will not serve him well at the NFL level.
- Kelvin Taylor (RB) Florida 5’10/205 projected 4th round selection: One year starter, Taylor has RB blood in his veins as his father is former Gator Fred Taylor. Kelvin is not very bulky and many question his durability at the Pro level. However; Taylor does have the quickness to hit the hole without hesitation and can be a reliable RB in the NFL.
- Josh Ferguson (RB) Illinois 5’10/196 projected 4-5 round selection: Another smaller RB that might have issues in the NFL in terms of durability. However; Ferguson has good versatility as a runner and a receiver, but lacks that second gear NFL teams covert.
Final Thoughts: Current mock drafts have the Giants possibly selecting Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott; which is possible; but highly unlikely. During GM Jerry Reese tenure with the Giants, he has only drafted a RB in the 1st round (David Wilson) once.