New York Giants

Giants fans should watch these draft prospects in Saturday's bowl games

Published Dec. 17, 2015 1:36 a.m. ET

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It's never too early to start focusing on your favorite team's future. The best NFL teams build through the draft, and with the college football bowl season set to kick off this Saturday, it's time to start scouting pro prospects who could fit in as New York Giants in 2016.

Without further ado, let's take a look at three players who will be playing Saturday that could fit in nicely for the Giants on Sundays.

Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona (Jr.) - New Mexico Bowl

Wright, the 2014 Pac-12 defensive player of the year, was the best defensive player in college football last season and even finished No. 9 in the Heisman voting. However, Wright has dealt with a litany of injuries this season and has been limited to two games. Still, he should be considered as one of the best linebacker prospects should he come out, and all signs point to him leaning in that direction.

The Giants have been neglecting the inside linebacker position in the NFL Draft for several consecutive drafts. Instead, they have opted to fill the position via free agency (Antonio Pierce) and more recently via trade (Jon Beason). The Giants might have learned their lesson after forking over a big contract to Beason, who has missed almost as many games as he has playd since signing it. It's time for the Giants to replenish the position with a talented and rangy inside linebacker who can at least play in subpackages during his rookie season.

NFL player comparison: James Laurinaitis

Jimmy Pruitt, CB/FS, San Jose State - Cure Bowl

During his senior season, Pruitt intercepted three passes, forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles. He had 37 tackles, plus seven pass breakups. Last season he also had three interceptions while proving to be a dogged defender who doesn't give up on plays.

At 6-0, 203 pounds, he has ideal size for the NFL, although his mediocre speed could be problematic on Sundays. His versatility could help. He started at safety in 2013 then shifted back to cornerback in 2014. He has a load of playing experience, having started four games at cornerback as a true freshman in 2012 before becoming a full-time starter in 2013.

The Giants like to use a lot of nickel defensive packages featuring three safeties. They also like their defensive backs to have the versatility to play many different positions and roles in the secondary. Pruitt is a jack of all trades -- he started at cornerback as a true freshman and has since seen starts at both cornerback and safety. 

DeVontae Booker, RB, Utah (Sr.) - Las Vegas Bowl

Booker is a solid runner and an excellent pass catcher overall. He finished with 1,512 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2014. However, he's had a ton of acrries in college (560 over the past two seasons) and he is already 23 years old. He is also coming off a lower body injury.

Still, Booker possesses an excellent combination of power and quickness that make him an excellent bet to create yards after contact at the next level. The Giants have utilized a four-man running back committee in 2015, but it has not been effective. They need to find one back who can excel in all phases of the game. Booker could be their guy.

NFL player comparison: Christine Michael

Be sure to keep an eye on these three players come Saturday, and be on the lookout for the next addition to this series. The bowl games are only getting started, and the Giants have a lot of positions they need to consider in the 2016 NFL Draft.

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