After a few days of intake, the 2019 NFL Combine is now heating up in Indianapolis, Indiana as players begin their on-field workouts and teams from across the league not only meet with the prospects, but begin discussing other business with agents.
As it is every year, rumors are starting to fly, trade speculation is heating up and 2019 NFL Draft content is in abundance.
But what about the New York Giants specifically? After an electric day on Wednesday, things quieted down a bit on Thursday, but that’s not to say there wasn’t a little information worthy of note.
Here’s what was heard about the football Giants on Day 2 of the NFL Combine.
Odell Beckham Jr. trade rumors persist
Giants general manager Dave Gettleman could not have been more clear when he met with the media earlier this week, reiterating that the Giants did not extend Beckham’s contract only to turn around and trade him.
Gettleman did not completely rule out potentially accepting a King’s ransom for Beckham, which led some to believe he intentionally left the door open. But people clearly only hear what they want to hear or what will drive clicks.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports added to the rumors and speculation, suggesting Pat Shurmur is at his “wits end” with Beckham and that both the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers could be suitors.
Giants GM Dave Gettleman on Odell Beckham: “We didn’t sign him to trade him.”
Translation: Hey, interested teams, it would take a ransom to get him, but keep calling. League sources indicated to me on Wednesday that the Giants are not averse to a Beckham trade — even despite the massive hit they would incur — and that coach Pat Shurmur has been at wits end on how to manage him. A trade is certainly not out of the question. In fact, sources have pointed to the 49ers and Raiders as the most likely strong suitors should this situation escalate. Stay tuned. Long offseason ahead.
Yawn.
Giants meeting with OL and RB
The window opened for prospect meetings on Thursday and the Giants, understandably, dove right in.
There was no rhyme or reason to be had when it comes to breaking down a list of their formal and informal meeting. Rather, the Giants were clearly doing their due diligence with both offensive lineman and running backs.
From first-round prospects to potential undrafted rookie free agents, the Giants went scattershot and simply gathered as much information as they possibly could.
A full list of prospects with whom they have met (and will meet) can be found on our NFL Combine prospect meeting scorecard.
Jason Witten back to terrorize the Giants
When Jason Witten retired a year ago, Giants fans rejoiced. After all, he had spent years absolutely manhandling them in the NFC East and, as it’s been well-documented, the Giants aren’t exactly good at stopping the tight end over the middle of the field anyway.
But after a year in the Monday Night Football booth, Witten decided it was time to come back. He unretired and re-signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
“The fire inside of me to compete and play this game is just burning too strong,” Witten said in a statement. “This team has a great group of rising young stars, and I want to help them make a run at a championship. This was completely my decision, and I am very comfortable with it. I’m looking forward to getting back in the dirt.”
Terrific.
Kyler Murray taller than expected
There had been a lot of speculation about Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray and his size in Giants land entering the NFL Combine, which head coach Pat Shurmur addressed on Wednesday.
“Quarterbacks come in all shapes and sizes,” said Shurmur. “I don’t know what’s too small. Russell Wilson is 5-foot-10.”
Shurmur had previously said he prefers taller quarterbacks, but he walked those comments back a bit when it came to Murray.
On Thursday, all of the speculation about Murray’s size came to an end when he measured slightly over 5-foot-10 inches tall with 9 1/2 inch hands. It was actually a shade taller than Murray had measured in college, which was the exact opposite of what everyone expected.
What does it mean in the end? Not a whole lot, but it was a big talking point nonetheless.
