By Matt Lombardo | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The Giants have several holes to fill heading into the 2019 season, and own the No. 6 overall pick after finishing 5-11. Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game features several players on the Alabama Crimson Tide and Clemson Tigers who would be welcomed additions to a Giants team that finished six of the last seven seasons with a losing record.
Here’s a look at five prospects that general manager Dave Gettleman should scout, and you should keep an eye on in Monday night’s clash:
Clelin Ferrell: DE/LB, Clemson
Size: 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds
2018 Stats: 28 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks
Potentially an elite pass-rusher at the NFL level, Ferrell is also a solid defender against the run, thanks to his an explosive first-step, which opposing offensive tackles have struggled with on the edge. Ferrell’s pass-rush prowess is shown in his sack total, but against the run, where he has the chance to become a three-down defender. Ferrell is outstanding on plays that are run right at him because of his ability to fight off engaged blockers and make the stop.
Why Ferrell makes sense for Giants:
Mining an elite pass-rusher … or two … this offseason will be a top priority for the Giants this offseason, and Ferrell can make a case for being the best of the bunch available in this year’s NFL Draft class. After finishing the season with only 30 sacks, don’t be surprised if the Giants both sign and draft an edge rusher this offseason.
Quinnen Williams – DT, Alabama
Size: 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds
2018 Stats: 8.0 sacks, 18.0 tackles for loss, 66 total tackles, 1 pass breakup
Williams had a historically dominant season at Alabama, and seemed to improve with each week. What sets Williams apart is the fact that he isn’t just stout at clogging up rushing lanes and stopping the run, but he also generates a consistent interior pass-rush in the midst of having one of the better seasons of any defensive player in recent memory. Teams looking for a multi-faceted interior defensive lineman should push Williams up the board in the spring.
