With the 143rd pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected Wisconsin linebacker Ryan Connelly. Here are five things to know about the new Giant:
1. Connelly played in 52 games with 26 starts at inside linebacker, recording 251 tackles, 29.0 TFLs, 6.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. A 2018 Butkus Award semifinalist, Connelly was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.
2. He was part of senior class that went 42-12 (.778), including a 27-8 (.771) mark in Big Ten play and a 4-0 record in bowl games.
3. NFL.com scouting report: Former walk-on who still plays like he's earning a spot each game. Functional short-area burst. Recognizes blocking scheme and where he can exploit it. Makes quick reads and races ahead of climbing blocks. Disciplined to guard against cutbacks. Above-average awareness of both quarterback and targets from zone. Has shown willingness to play and put off surgery. Takes the fight to blockers before they can get up on him.
4. Measurables: Height – 6-2; Weight – 242 lbs.; Arms – 30 7/8"; Hands – 9 3/8"; 40-yard dash – 4.66 sec.; Vertical jump – 34.5"; Broad jump – 118"; 3-cone drill – 7.09 sec.; 20-yard shuttle – 4.31 sec.
5. Connelly was a former walk-on who earned scholarship prior to 2015 season. As a quarterback, he helped Eden Prairie High School to the Minnesota Class 6A football state championships as a sophomore, junior and senior. He also won the state championship in lacrosse as a junior. His cousin, Anders Lee, plays for the New York Islanders in the NHL.
