The New York Giants, along with new head coach John Harbaugh, are in Indianapolis this week participating in the NFL Scouting Combine, where they are evaluating prospects through a combination of athletic tests, interviews, and on-field drills. With 319 invitees attending this year’s event, the Giants are examining multiple players as they prepare for the April draft, focusing on those who could address current team needs.
Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. Emerges as a Potential Defensive Asset
Following struggles in the linebacker group during the 2025 season, the Giants may look to the draft for a lasting solution if free agency does not provide answers. Anthony Hill Jr., a linebacker from Texas, is gaining attention as a promising option for an early Day 2 selection. His performance at the combine showcased exceptional athleticism, including a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, a 37-inch vertical leap, and a broad jump of 10 feet 5 inches. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 238 pounds, Hill’s size and agility match the profile of a modern, versatile linebacker.
During his time at Texas, Hill accumulated 249 tackles and 17 sacks over 40 games. Although still developing his skills, his combination of explosiveness and on-field productivity suggests he could thrive with an expanded role in the NFL.
Offensive Tackle Max Iheanachor Could Fill Upcoming Line Vacancies
The Giants face potential turnover along their offensive line this offseason, with key players such as Jermaine Eluemunor entering free agency and others—including Aaron Stinnie, Joshua Ezeudu, Greg Van Roten, Austin Schlottmann, and Evan Neal—possibly departing. As a result, the team is expected to closely evaluate offensive tackle prospects during the combine, with Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor standing out.
Relatively new to football since starting in 2021, Iheanachor impressed at the Senior Bowl and has risen on draft boards into an early Day 2 consideration. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound tackle did not allow a sack last season and demonstrated significant power against elite competitors. His combine performance will be pivotal in confirming his projected draft status.
Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs Gains Praise from Giants’ Head Coach
Giants coach John Harbaugh recently praised Ohio State safety Caleb Downs on the Mike Francesa Podcast, describing him as a potential gold jacket player. Harbaugh indicated that using the team’s No. 5 overall pick on Downs would be a viable strategy and referred to him as possibly the best defensive player available in the upcoming draft.
Projected as a top-10 pick in 2026, Downs enters the combine with much of his draft stock already established, though the Giants plan to watch his straight-line speed and performance during drills closely. He is scheduled to participate alongside other defensive backs and tight ends on Friday, providing the Giants further insight into his capabilities.
Significance of Combine Evaluations for Giants’ Draft Strategy
The NFL Scouting Combine serves as a crucial event for the New York Giants, offering an opportunity to assess athleticism and intangibles across a broad group of prospects such as Hill, Iheanachor, and Downs. With several roster uncertainties—especially along the offensive line and in the linebacker corps—the insights gained here will heavily influence the team’s draft approach. Coach Harbaugh’s involvement and endorsements suggest these prospects could play substantial roles in shaping the Giants’ future competitiveness. As April’s draft approaches, the development of these players and further evaluations will be closely monitored by both the Giants organization and its fans.
