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NFL Combine Day 3: Offensive Linemen and Running Backs to Watch

Previewing which offensive linemen and running backs Giants fans need to keep an eye on during today's combine drills.
NFL Combine Day 3: Offensive Linemen and Running Backs to Watch
NFL Combine Day 3: Offensive Linemen and Running Backs to Watch

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New York Giants fans will be paying close attention to what happens today at the NFL Combine when the offensive line and running backs take the field to showcase their talent.

Although the Giants will certainly be looking for an upgrade at guard, center is a legitimate position of need, so familiarizing yourself with the potential talent there will be helpful.

Also, considering the Giants might be unable to retain Saquon Barkley if he hits the open market, running back becomes a higher priority.

Here are a few names to keep an eye on.

C Joe Tippmann, 6-6, 320 lbs., Wisconsin

This should be the top target for any team in the market for a center. At 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, he brings plus size to a position known for harboring guys on the smaller side.

Tippmann is athletic for his size, and above all, he is a legit center from a program known for producing quality offensive line talent. He is smart, strong, and athletic, which will help him improve his deficiencies. He could be a realistic pick for the Giants, especially if he quantifies his athleticism on film.

C Olusegun Oluwatimi, 6-3, 310 lbs., Michigan

Oluwatimi opened holes for one of the best rushing attacks in college in 2022. His 6-foot-3, 310-pound frame gives him a solid base to operate from on the interior.

He has also shown excellence in two different schemes. He started 32 straight games at Virginia against quality ACC competition before arriving at Michigan as a graduate transfer. "Double O" will likely be one of the first names called at the position, especially if he has a great showing during combine workouts.

G/C Steve Avila, 6-4, 331 lbs., TCU

Avila is an interior lineman with legitimate experience at center and left guard, two positions of need for New York. He is a wide body who can move defenders at the point of attack.

Don't let his body shape fool you; he can move for a guy his size. He is another who may be plug-and-play at the position and could help his draft stock by performing well.

OG Peter Skoronski, 6-4, 314 lbs., Northwestern

Skoronski is a lineman with an offensive tackle background but guard measurables. He has a more condensed frame and shorter arms, where offensive tackle dreams usually die.

The great news is that scouts like his potential as an NFL guard. He's explosive and could fit any scheme at the next level. There's a good chance that he is a Day 1 starter.

OG O'Cyrus Torrence, 6-5, 330 lbs., Florida

Torrence is a massive guard. He is an absolute mauler at 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds, especially in the run game, where he was highly effective for the Gators.

The question surrounding the senior from Louisiana is if he possesses the foot speed and quickness to be a highly effective guard in space and pass protection. How he performs at the combine will go a long way in answering that and any other questions.

RB Jahmyr Gibbs, 5-11, 201 lbs., Alabama

It's not a surprise that Alabama has another running back in the draft; it seems like there is one every year. Gibbs fits the mold of the new-age back that is not the team's bell cow but still plays a major role in the offense's success as a rusher and receiver.

Gibbs has the homerun-hitting ability, which he showed all season for the Tide. Where he goes on the draft could be directly linked to how well he tests.



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Gene Clemons
GENE CLEMONS

Gene "Coach" Clemons has been involved with the game of football for 30 years as a player, coach, evaluator, and journalist.  Clemons has spent time writing for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, Bridgton News, Urbana Daily Citizen, Macon Telegraph and footballgameplan.com.  He has a YouTube channel called "Coach Gene Clemons" where you can find his popular "X&O The Joes" series as well as other football related content. 

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