Giants' 2025 NFL Draft Strategy: Top RB Prospects and Key Visits

Giants' 2025 NFL Draft Approach: Running Backs in Focus

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Giants are leaving no stone unturned in their preparation. With less than two weeks to go, the team has been busy hosting private visits and evaluating top prospects. A clear emphasis has emerged on the running back position, with the Giants bringing in five highly-rated backs for top 30 visits.

Top Running Back Prospects Visiting the Giants

The Giants have shown significant interest in bolstering their backfield, inviting these top running back prospects for private visits:

1. Ali Gordon (Oklahoma State)
2. Caleb Johnson (Iowa)
3. Omaron Hampton (North Carolina)
4. Quinn Sean Judkins (Ohio State)
5. Cam Scataboo (Arizona State)

This focus on running backs is noteworthy, as it represents a substantial portion of the team's allotted top 30 visits. Most of these prospects are expected to be selected within the first three rounds of the draft, indicating the Giants' serious consideration of adding a high-impact runner to their roster.

The Importance of Top 30 Visits in Joe Shane's Strategy

General Manager Joe Shane has demonstrated a pattern of valuing these pre-draft visits highly. Of the 24 picks made during Shane's tenure, 11 players had top 30 visits with the Giants. This number increases to 12 when including undrafted free agent signings like Bryce Ford-Weaten. This trend suggests that the players brought in for these visits have a higher likelihood of ending up in Giants blue on draft day.

Spotlight on Cam Scataboo

One of the most intriguing prospects to visit the Giants is Cam Scataboo from Arizona State. Despite his relatively small stature at 5'9", Scataboo's 218-pound frame packs a punch. Let's break down what makes him stand out:

Physical Attributes and Performance

• Height: 5'9"
• Weight: 218 lbs
• 2024 Stats: 293 carries, 1,711 yards, 5.8 yards per touch, 21 touchdowns

While Scataboo's 40-yard dash time wasn't exceptional (40th percentile for running backs), his explosiveness shone through in vertical and broad jump tests. His ability to break tackles and generate yards after contact is particularly noteworthy.

Yards After Contact: Elite Company

Scataboo's 1,200 yards after contact put him in elite company among this year's draft class:

1. Ashton Genty: ~2,000 yards
2. Amaran Hampton: 1,222 yards
3. Cam Scataboo: 1,200 yards
4. Caleb Johnson: 1,000+ yards

Advanced Analytics

Pro Football Focus's NFL Draft Guide highlights Scataboo's impressive metrics:

• 3rd in yards after contact
• 2nd in missed tackles forced
• 3rd in missed tackles forced per attempt
• 21 runs of 15+ yards
• Only 2 drops and 4 fumbles

Receiving Ability

Scataboo's receiving skills are often underrated. His college career stats demonstrate his effectiveness as a pass-catcher:

• 2024: 45 receptions, 605 yards, 3 TDs
• 2023: 24 receptions, 286 yards, 1 TD
• At Sacramento State: 31 receptions

This versatility makes him a true three-down back, capable of contributing in both the running and passing game.

Expert Analysis on Scataboo

Dane Brugler, lead draft analyst for The Athletic, offers this assessment of Scataboo in his draft guide, "The Beast":

"Scataboo is a thickly built, compact runner who is more quick than explosive, but he competes with tremendous resolve and understands how to rely on his pad level and contact balance to get the most out of every carry. He's a draftable option for a team looking to upgrade its backfield physicality."

Potential Fit with the Giants

Scataboo could form an effective duo with current Giants back Tyrone Tracy. Their complementary skills could provide the Giants with a more dynamic and physical backfield. With Devin Singletary also on the roster, adding Scataboo would give the Giants a versatile and potent running back group.

Other Key Visits: Defensive and Offensive Line Prospects

Alfred Collins - Defensive Line

The Giants also brought in Alfred Collins, a massive interior defensive lineman from the University of Texas, for a top 30 visit.

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 6'5.5"
• Weight: 332 lbs

Collins' combination of size, movement skills, and potential make him an intriguing prospect. While his college stats may not jump off the page, his physical tools and ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line are attractive qualities.

Dane Brugler's assessment: "Collins is still learning how to maximize his size and talent, but he took a sizable jump this past season and shows the physical traits to be a disruptive force, especially against the run. He will provide immediate depth as a rookie and his snap count should increase with experience."

Pairing Collins with Dexter Lawrence could dramatically improve the Giants' run defense, which has been a weakness in recent years.

Donovan Jackson - Offensive Line

The Giants also hosted Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson for a top 30 visit.

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 6'3.5"
• Weight: 315 lbs

Jackson's versatility is his most appealing trait, with experience playing both guard and tackle positions. His 2024 season at Ohio State was solid, if not spectacular:

• PFF Grade: 71.8
• Pass Blocking Grade: 70+
• Run Blocking Grade: 71+
• Sacks Allowed: 2
• Penalties: 2

Brugler's take: "Jackson's sustain and recovery hiccups must be addressed by an NFL coaching staff, but his athletic traits and play strength should translate well to the next level. He projects as an NFL starter and his tape shows a player with true tackle-guard versatility."

Draft Strategy Implications

The Giants' focus on running backs, coupled with visits from high-potential defensive and offensive linemen, suggests a multi-faceted approach to the 2025 NFL Draft. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Running Back Priority: The team appears likely to select a running back in the early rounds, possibly as high as the second round.

2. Defensive Line Reinforcement: Bringing in a player like Alfred Collins could significantly upgrade the Giants' run defense and provide valuable depth.

3. Offensive Line Development: The interest in versatile linemen like Donovan Jackson indicates a commitment to improving and future-proofing the offensive line.

4. Best Player Available vs. Need: The diverse range of prospects visited suggests the Giants are balancing their specific needs with a best-player-available approach.

5. Late-Round Gems: Don't be surprised if some of these visited players end up as value picks in later rounds.

Conclusion

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Giants have positioned themselves to address multiple areas of need. Their focus on running backs, particularly prospects like Cam Scataboo, indicates a desire to revitalize their ground game. Meanwhile, visits from impactful defensive and offensive linemen show a holistic approach to team building.

Giants fans should be excited about the potential additions to the team. Whether it's a dynamic new running back, a disruptive force on the defensive line, or a versatile offensive lineman, the 2025 draft class has the potential to significantly impact the team's future.

As we count down to draft day, keep an eye on these prospects and others who have caught the Giants' attention. The choices made in this draft could shape the franchise's direction for years to come.

Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of every Giants pick during the 2025 NFL Draft. It promises to be an exciting and pivotal moment for the team and its fans.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeDT3p4moCE