7 Small-School Prospects the Giants Should Target in Draft
Every mock draft is filled with power five prospects however, there are a few small school players the Giants should target in the NFL Draft
While mock drafts are filled with major power five college football prospects, there are tons of players from small schools that make an impactsin every draft class. The Giants have found success with small-school prospects like Victor Cruz, Ahmad Bradshaw, Kevin Boss, Brandon Jacobs, and several other players.
New York likely won't take any small school prospects until later in the draft, but are several potential prospects the team should target.
Jalen Coker - Wide Receiver - Holy Cross
The Holy Cross receiver may be the best receiver in this draft class that no one has ever heard of. Coker is coming off of an incredibly productive season for the Crusaders with 1,035 yards and 15 touchdowns on 59 catches.
Coker has great hands, body control, and is a solid route runner with his only concerns coming as opponent strength and vertical speed. As a late-round draft pick, Coker is an intriguing option for a Giants team that has a weak wide receiver room. If Coker developed for the, Giants they'd have a very affordable option at receiver for the years to come.
Jared Penning - Interior Offensive Line - Northern Iowa
Penning is a familiar name for NFL fans as the younger brother of Saints first-round pick Trevor Penning. He's a monster listed at 6"6, 340 pounds and is a mauler of an offensive guard. Penning was one of the better guards in the Missouri Valley Football Conference and could end up being a great long term project at guard.
Jaden Shirden - Running Back - Monmouth
Just an hour south of East Rutherford, Jaden Shirden had an incredible season at Monmouth rushing for 1,478 yards and ten touchdowns on 221 carries. Shirden for his career racked up 3,697 yards and 26 touchdowns with 17 career games rushing for 100 yards and six games with 200 or more yards. The Giants have gotten a lock at Shirden as he was in town for the Local Pro-Day.
When watching Shirden his speed and explosiveness jump off the film as a true homerun hitter at running back. He's known more as a runner, but he's shown an ability to be a capable receiver out of the backfield. Some team will certainly take a shot on Shirden's talent late in the draft and he'd make a ton of sense for the Giants late in the draft.
Frank Gore Jr - Running Back - Southern Miss
In the NFL Draft, you'll officially feel old when Frank Gore Jr. has his name called, as he's the son of five-time Pro Bowler who starred for the San Francisco 49ers. The younger Gore attended Southern Miss, where he rushed for 4,022 yards and 26 touchdowns across four seasons. Gore also showed an ability as a receiver, catching 27 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns in 2023.
He is undersized at 5"8, as was his dad at 5"9, but Gore Jr. has great vision and patience that could help him thrive at the next level.