February 2010...It feels like a long offseason already.  However, as winter turns to spring, I get fired up for some new raw talent that are ready to suit up for Big Blue.

Who do we want?  What do we need?   How can we find that sleeper pick?  Yes, the draft and mandatory mini-camp will never come too soon.  I need to get the taste of 2009 out of my mouth.

Enclosed you will find some analysis on a few hot prospects...but it doesn't end there!  Fellow B/R Feature Columnists Jeff Shull and Robert Domaine have jumped into the fray, giving you a breakdown on a handful of more top candidates to wear Giant Blue in 2K10!

Links will be posted below.  Enjoy!

 

Nate Allen, University of South Florida S ( 6'2" 190 pounds) 

One of the top safeties on the board and one of the most accomplished defensive players in the history of USF football.  This very experienced player started the last 39 games of his college career, including Bowl games.

This former 6'2" high school quarterback who threw for over 5000 yards was mostly a special teams player at USF until his break out season in 2007.  Nate burst on the scene, racking up 84 tackles and four interceptions, while breaking up eight passes.  He is projected as a late first round pick or second rounder.

The Giants are in need of guys who can tackle.  Not some times, all the time.   Nate Allen attacks the line of scrimmage and specializes in secure tackling.   He also has made an impression with scouts for the ability to track a running back down from behind. 

2007—84 tackles in 13 games

2008—53 tackles in 13 games

2009—85 tackles in 13 games

But how he differs from an Aaron Rouse or CC Brown...Nate Allen has the ability to make plays deep in coverage, as well as help a corner who is in trouble.  He has great game time speed that allows him to catch free receivers. 

Man Coverage:   Allen has good straight line speed and fair change of direction abilities.  He does struggle a bit when lined up in the slot but matches up well against any tight end drifting out into the flat.

Zone coverage:   Allen relies on his speed a bit too much, which can send him on bad angles from time to time, but he has good range to get up the sideline on the deep ball, which the Giants have lacked for a long time.  He is a safety who can make up ground.

Aggressive:   Allen is an aggressive safety who runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and will claim stake to the ball.  He has very good height and vertical to win jump balls and will pound receivers underneath if needed.  If any ball is under thrown, Mr. Allen makes quarterbacks pay, as he steps in front of many down field receivers.

Nate Allen is also a student of the game who works hard to get better week in and week out.  He will make a good pro football player. 

* Comparison: Brody Pool—Cleveland Browns (according to Scouts)

 

Brian Price, UCLA DT (6'2" 300 pounds)

This draft prospect is a gift from the football Gods. The one that screams "PICK ME!"

Brian Price
6'2"
300 pounds
UCLA

Price, in describing himself, said, " I enjoy watching films of Reggie White and Michael Strahan.  I was a Defensive End at heart."

Brian Price was categorized as a leader who could lead by example due to his dominant line play.  His teammate at UCLA Jerry Siewierski was quoted as saying that Price was the best player he ever played with, and what makes Price so effective is his explosive first step.

Price is considered one of the quickest Defensive Tackles in the upcoming draft, as he displays the ability to get off the ball before the offensive lineman can get to him.  This allows Price to disrupt the oncoming play deep into the backfield.

Price is also a three year starter for the UCLA Bruins.  His work ethic will make him a perfect addition to the horses up front for the NY Giants.  Last season Price started in all 12 games for the Bruins, leading the team with tackles for a loss en route to a first-team "ALL PAC10" selection by the conferences coaches.

After watching his game video, I was truly amazed by the way in which he dominated the line of scrimmage against some of the biggest teams in college football, including Tennessee, Oregon, Cal, and USC.  He has great foot work and field vision.  He takes on double teams and shoot gaps with ease and seems to be a secure tackler.  

Price was rated the No. 2 defensive player in the "PAC-10" by ESPN in 2009.  He possesses size, strength, and speed.  During his college career he collected:

92 tackles
12 sacks
4 forced fumbles
1 interception

Price will never make it out of the first round.  Someone call Jerry Reese!

 

Mike Johnson, Alabama G (6'6" 305)

You want an explosive guard to be the successor to Rich Suebert.  Mike Johnson, is your guy.  Alabama's most versatile lineman will be available in the second round and can play tackle if needed.  Johnson has showcased incredible durability by playing in every game during his UA career.  That 53 game streak ties a school record.

In 2008 Johnson was recognized by Pro Football weekly as First Team All American and second team All SEC coming into the 2009 season.  He also helped pave the way for an  offense that averaged 185 rushing yards per game.  Carrying the rock behind Johnson was Glenn Coffee.

Johnson continued his dominant ways in 2009 and was named Associated Press first team All American and first team All SEC while opening holes for Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and an impressive 215 yards per game.

Pass Blocking:   Will smack you right in the face!  Great initial punch and sustains his blocks good hand placement and upper body strength.  Johnson is also a superior short yardage blocker who gets great leverage.  This comes as great news for the Giants, as Big Blue struggled in the red zone all year.

Trapping/Pulling:   Johnson has good foot work and can get out and up with good pro style lateral movement.  However, he does struggle hitting targets in the open field.  This might need to be taught, especially with Bradshaw's shifty style of running.

Intangibles:   Johnson is very aware of his surroundings and can pick up a blitz from just about anywhere.  He plays with a very high motor and has been recognized by his teammates and coaches as a leader.

* Comparison: Justin Smiley—Dolphins (according to Scouts)

 

Jeff Shull - Volume #1

Robert Domaine—Volume #3