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Cover 3: Breaking down the Giants' 6-player draft class

Apr 29, 2024 at 02:54 PM
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by John Schmeelk, Dan Salomone & Matt Citak
COVER-3-MALIK-NABERS

Now that the dust has settled, the Giants.com crew breaks down the entire six-player draft class.

  • Round 1, No. 6 - Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
  • Round 2, No. 47 (from SEA) - Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
  • Round 3, No. 70 - Dru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
  • Round 4, No. 107 - Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
  • Round 5, No. 166 (from SF through CAR) - Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue
  • Round 6, No. 183 - Darius Muasau, LB, UCLA

John Schmeelk: The toughest part of the draft is the stuff out of a team's control. Teams may have needs at certain positions, but there's a chance that when they get set to draft in any given round that a player is not good enough to warrant that selection. Based on where the Giants selected versus where the players appeared on most experts' boards, that does not appear to be the case.

The Giants filled a huge need with an elite playmaker at wide receiver in Malik Nabers. They had holes at starting safety and cornerback that needed filling, and with the questions surrounding Darren Waller's potential retirement, a tight end was a priority.

I used big boards from Dane Brugler, Mel Kiper Jr., Daniel Jeremiah and Arif Hasan for the sake of comparison. I averaged out their big boards and calculated the difference between where the player was picked versus how they were ranked. A positive number meant a good theoretical pick value compared to the media consensus.

The average gave the Giants a +11.5 in pick value for the first four rounds, meaning they found good players right around where most analysts thought they should have been drafted and took them. It takes luck and skill for that to happen, and the Giants took advantage of the situation they were in to find players that can fill spots of need but also perform at a high level.

📸 Meet the 2024 New York Giants Draft Class

View photos from the college careers of all six members of the New York Giants 2024 Draft Class.

MALIK-NABERS-MOODYS
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Round 1, No. 6 - Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
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Round 1, No. 6 - Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Round 2, No. 47 (from SEA) - Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
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Round 2, No. 47 (from SEA) - Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

Round 3, No. 70 - Dru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
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Round 3, No. 70 - Dru Phillips, CB, Kentucky

Round 4, No. 107 - Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
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Round 4, No. 107 - Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State

Round 5, No. 166 (from SF through CAR) - Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue
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Round 5, No. 166 (from SF through CAR) - Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue

Round 6, No. 183 - Darius Muasau, LB, UCLA
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Round 6, No. 183 - Darius Muasau, LB, UCLA

LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his first of two touchdown receptions in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. LSU won 34-31. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his first of two touchdown receptions in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. LSU won 34-31. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Gerald Herbert/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates after a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates after a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)

Tyler Kaufman/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) grabs a reception that he finished with a touchdown against Georgia State cornerback Bryquice Brown (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) grabs a reception that he finished with a touchdown against Georgia State cornerback Bryquice Brown (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Matthew Hinton/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown on a pass reception against Texas A&M defensive back Demani Richardson (26) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown on a pass reception against Texas A&M defensive back Demani Richardson (26) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Gerald Herbert/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries between Texas A&M defensive back Jacoby Mathews (2), defensive back Deuce Harmon (11) and defensive back Demani Richardson (26) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries between Texas A&M defensive back Jacoby Mathews (2), defensive back Deuce Harmon (11) and defensive back Demani Richardson (26) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Gerald Herbert/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)

Tyler Kaufman/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) crosses the goal line for a touchdown on a pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) crosses the goal line for a touchdown on a pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Gerald Herbert/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) gets past Purdue safety Cam Allen after a reception during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) gets past Purdue safety Cam Allen after a reception during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

John Raoux/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)

Tyler Kaufman/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Gerald Herbert/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs the ball past Southern cornerback Glen Brown (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs the ball past Southern cornerback Glen Brown (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)

Tyler Kaufman/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs past Purdue cornerback Bryce Hampton, left, and safety Sanoussi Kane (21) on his way to a 75-yard touchdown on a pass play during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs past Purdue cornerback Bryce Hampton, left, and safety Sanoussi Kane (21) on his way to a 75-yard touchdown on a pass play during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

John Raoux/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Gerald Herbert/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a reception to score in front of Kansas State defensive backs Reggie Stubblefield (1) and TJ Smith (7) during the second half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a reception to score in front of Kansas State defensive backs Reggie Stubblefield (1) and TJ Smith (7) during the second half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Michael Wyke/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (11) and Malik Nabers (8) celebrate after a touchdown by Thomas against Grambling State during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
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LSU wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (11) and Malik Nabers (8) celebrate after a touchdown by Thomas against Grambling State during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Matthew Hinton/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs after a catch against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs after a catch against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Vasha Hunt/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries for a touchdown past Auburn safety Donovan Kaufman (5) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries for a touchdown past Auburn safety Donovan Kaufman (5) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Gerald Herbert/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) reacts after a first down reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) reacts after a first down reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Gerald Herbert/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Grambling State in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Grambling State in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Matthew Hinton/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) looks for room past Mississippi cornerback Zamari Walton (6) and linebacker Suntarine Perkins during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) looks for room past Mississippi cornerback Zamari Walton (6) and linebacker Suntarine Perkins during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)

Thomas Graning/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a pass reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a pass reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Gerald Herbert/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) reacts after a first down reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) reacts after a first down reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Gerald Herbert/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers catches a pass and scores a touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers catches a pass and scores a touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Vasha Hunt/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Vasha Hunt/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. LSU won 62-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. LSU won 62-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Gerald Herbert/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers jogs off the field after his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
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LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers jogs off the field after his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Vasha Hunt/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Minnesota defensive backs Tyler Nubin (27) and Coney Durr (16) greet each other during warmups prior to an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
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Minnesota defensive backs Tyler Nubin (27) and Coney Durr (16) greet each other during warmups prior to an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)

Stacy Bengs/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrates after intercepting a Nebraska pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrates after intercepting a Nebraska pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrates a stop against Nebraska on third down during the second half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrates a stop against Nebraska on third down during the second half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) stands on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) stands on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27), top right, breaks up a pass as he upends Iowa wide receiver Diante Vines (0) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27), top right, breaks up a pass as he upends Iowa wide receiver Diante Vines (0) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)

MATTHEW PUTNEY/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrates with fans after their 12-10 win over Iowa in a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrates with fans after their 12-10 win over Iowa in a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)

MATTHEW PUTNEY/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) defends against Louisiana-Lafayette during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) defends against Louisiana-Lafayette during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Bruce Kluckhohn/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Minnesota tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (88) and defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) slap hands during warms up before an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
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Minnesota tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (88) and defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) slap hands during warms up before an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)

Matthew Putney/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) defends against Louisiana-Lafayette during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) defends against Louisiana-Lafayette during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Bruce Kluckhohn/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Nebraska's Trey Palmer, left, drops a pass as Minnesota's Tyler Nubin defends late in the fourth quarter during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Nebraska turned the ball over on downs. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
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Nebraska's Trey Palmer, left, drops a pass as Minnesota's Tyler Nubin defends late in the fourth quarter during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Nebraska turned the ball over on downs. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)

Rebecca S. Gratz/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Minnesota defensive backs Jordan Howden (23) and Tyler Nubin (27) celebrate during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
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Minnesota defensive backs Jordan Howden (23) and Tyler Nubin (27) celebrate during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)

Stacy Bengs/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin, left, intercepts a pass intended for Rutgers wide receiver Sean Ryan (5), middle, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin, left, intercepts a pass intended for Rutgers wide receiver Sean Ryan (5), middle, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Nebraska's Trey Palmer, left, drops a pass against Minnesota's Tyler Nubin to turn over possession on downs to Minnesota with 1:12 remaining in the fourth quarter during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Minnesota defeated Nebraska 20-13. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
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Nebraska's Trey Palmer, left, drops a pass against Minnesota's Tyler Nubin to turn over possession on downs to Minnesota with 1:12 remaining in the fourth quarter during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Minnesota defeated Nebraska 20-13. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)

Rebecca S. Gratz/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin, right, intercepts a pass intended for Purdue wide receiver TJ Sheffield (8) during the first half an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin, right, intercepts a pass intended for Purdue wide receiver TJ Sheffield (8) during the first half an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

CRAIG LASSIG/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin falls back in coverage against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin falls back in coverage against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Julio Cortez/Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) on the field during pregame warmups prior to an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. Illinois won 14-6. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) on the field during pregame warmups prior to an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. Illinois won 14-6. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)

Stacy Bengs/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin, right, intercepts a pass intended for Miami-Ohio wide receiver Austin Robinson during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 31-26. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin, right, intercepts a pass intended for Miami-Ohio wide receiver Austin Robinson during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 31-26. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

CRAIG LASSIG/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) runs back an interception in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Indiana in Bloomington, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) runs back an interception in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Indiana in Bloomington, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

AJ MAST
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin celebrates a stop against Michigan in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Minneapolis. Michigan won 49-24. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin celebrates a stop against Michigan in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Minneapolis. Michigan won 49-24. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Bruce Kluckhohn/Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) on the field during pregame warmups prior to an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. Illinois won 14-6. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
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Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) on the field during pregame warmups prior to an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. Illinois won 14-6. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)

Stacy Bengs/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips plays against Miami Ohio during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/John Amis)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips plays against Miami Ohio during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/John Amis)

John Amis/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Darron Cummings/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Darron Cummings/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Florida running back Trevor Etienne (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Florida running back Trevor Etienne (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

Michelle Haas Hutchins/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips gestures to an official during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips gestures to an official during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)

Hakim Wright Sr./Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) and defensive back Zion Childress (11) celebrate a defensive play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) and defensive back Zion Childress (11) celebrate a defensive play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

Michelle Haas Hutchins/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Florida running back Trevor Etienne (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Florida running back Trevor Etienne (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

Michelle Haas Hutchins/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
American defensive back Andru Phillips of Kentucky (0) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
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American defensive back Andru Phillips of Kentucky (0) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)

Butch Dill/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Akron wide receiver Jasaiah Gathings (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Akron wide receiver Jasaiah Gathings (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

Michelle Haas Hutchins/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Akron in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Akron in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

Michelle Haas Hutchins/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Akron wide receiver Jasaiah Gathings (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Akron wide receiver Jasaiah Gathings (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

Michelle Haas Hutchins/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) plays against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) plays against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

George Walker IV/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) congratulates teammates on the sidelines during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Akron in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) congratulates teammates on the sidelines during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Akron in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

Michelle Haas Hutchins/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) looks to the sideline during an NCAA college football game against Ball State in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) looks to the sideline during an NCAA college football game against Ball State in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

Michelle Haas Hutchins/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) reaches for the tackle as Akron wide receiver Bobby Golden (4) fumbles the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) reaches for the tackle as Akron wide receiver Bobby Golden (4) fumbles the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

Michelle Haas Hutchins/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White (10) cannot hold onto a pass as he is defended by Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
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Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White (10) cannot hold onto a pass as he is defended by Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Wade Payne/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press All Rights Reserved
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) breaks up a reception attempt by Vanderbilt wide receiver Will Sheppard (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) breaks up a reception attempt by Vanderbilt wide receiver Will Sheppard (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)

Michael Clubb/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) runs after the play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Ball State in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
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Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) runs after the play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Ball State in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

Michelle Haas Hutchins/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Barry Reeger/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Nick Wass/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson against Maryland during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson against Maryland during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Gail Burton/Copyright {2023} The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Mississippi cornerback Zamari Walton (6) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Mississippi cornerback Zamari Walton (6) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Brynn Anderson/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu (74) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu (74) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Nick Wass/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
National tight end Theo Johnson of Penn State (84) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
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National tight end Theo Johnson of Penn State (84) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)

Butch Dill/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Jay LaPrete/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Nick Wass/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) eludes Massachusetts safety Tyler Rudolph (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) eludes Massachusetts safety Tyler Rudolph (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Barry Reeger/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Jay LaPrete/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Massachusetts, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Massachusetts, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Barry Reeger/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Massachusetts, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Massachusetts, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Barry Reeger/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Delaware, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Delaware, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Barry Reeger/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs the ball during the first half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Utah Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs the ball during the first half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Utah Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) reacts to a play during the first half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Utah Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) reacts to a play during the first half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Utah Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Barry Reeger/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Barry Reeger/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Barry Reeger/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a first half touchdown in front of Minnesota defensive back Jordan Howden (23) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a first half touchdown in front of Minnesota defensive back Jordan Howden (23) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Barry Reeger/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) slips out of a tackle by Indiana defensive back Tiawan Mullen (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) slips out of a tackle by Indiana defensive back Tiawan Mullen (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Doug McSchooler/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
*Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) breaks away from Maryland defensive back Beau Brade (25) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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*Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) breaks away from Maryland defensive back Beau Brade (25) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Barry Reeger/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs a route against Maryland during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs a route against Maryland during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Barry Reeger/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) celebrates a first down catch during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) celebrates a first down catch during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Barry Reeger/Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
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Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Gail Burton/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) cuts away from Minnesota defensive back Darius Green (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) cuts away from Minnesota defensive back Darius Green (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs against Wisconsin during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs against Wisconsin during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs against Indiana during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Purdue defeated Indiana 35-31. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs against Indiana during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Purdue defeated Indiana 35-31. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) in action during an NCAA college football game between Purdue and Syracuse in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. Syracuse won 35-20. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) in action during an NCAA college football game between Purdue and Syracuse in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. Syracuse won 35-20. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

AJ MAST
Purdue's Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football against Virginia Tech, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Robert Simmons)
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Purdue's Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football against Virginia Tech, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Robert Simmons)

Robert Simmons/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) scores a touchdown agasint Syracuse during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) scores a touchdown agasint Syracuse during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

AJ MAST
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs against Illinois during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs against Illinois during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) cuts around sWisconsin safety Preston Zachman (14) on his way to a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) cuts around sWisconsin safety Preston Zachman (14) on his way to a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
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Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Doug McSchooler/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) reacts after stopping the Fresno State offense during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
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Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) reacts after stopping the Fresno State offense during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Doug McSchooler/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NCAA football game against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
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Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NCAA football game against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Doug McSchooler/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) looks for a route out of the backfield during an NCAA football game against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
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Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) looks for a route out of the backfield during an NCAA football game against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Doug McSchooler/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) celebrates after running for a 20-yard gain during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) celebrates after running for a 20-yard gain during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

AJ Mast/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
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Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Gail Burton/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs the ball into the end zone to score during an NCAA football game against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
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Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs the ball into the end zone to score during an NCAA football game against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Doug McSchooler/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) celebrates after running for a 20-yard gain during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) celebrates after running for a 20-yard gain during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

AJ Mast/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) runs with the ball as Michigan defensive back DJ Turner (5) and linebacker Junior Colson (25) defend during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) runs with the ball as Michigan defensive back DJ Turner (5) and linebacker Junior Colson (25) defend during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
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Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Doug McSchooler/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) cuts between Northwestern defensive back Rod Heard II (24) and defensive back Devin Turner (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) cuts between Northwestern defensive back Rod Heard II (24) and defensive back Devin Turner (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
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Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Doug McSchooler/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in action against Minnesota during the first half an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Minneapolis. Purdue won 20-10. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in action against Minnesota during the first half an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Minneapolis. Purdue won 20-10. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

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Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
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Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Gail Burton/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
South Alabama quarterback Carter Bradley (2) is threatened by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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South Alabama quarterback Carter Bradley (2) is threatened by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Ashley Landis/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) and defensive lineman Jay Toia (93) tackle Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall (10) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
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UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) and defensive lineman Jay Toia (93) tackle Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall (10) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Kyusung Gong/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Southern California running back Raleek Brown, left, is tackled by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Southern California running back Raleek Brown, left, is tackled by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Mark J. Terrill/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

David Zalubowski/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
UCLA linebackers Darius Muasau (53) and Oluwafemi Oladejo (2) and defensive lineman Gabriel Murphy (11) celebrate after a stop of Arizona State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
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UCLA linebackers Darius Muasau (53) and Oluwafemi Oladejo (2) and defensive lineman Gabriel Murphy (11) celebrate after a stop of Arizona State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Ryan Sun/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
UCLA defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) and linebacker Darius Muasau (53) celebrate after a sack during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern California in Los Angeles, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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UCLA defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) and linebacker Darius Muasau (53) celebrate after a sack during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern California in Los Angeles, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Ashley Landis/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
West's Solomon Byrd, center, of USC, and Darius Muasau, of UCLA, react after a play during the first half of the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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West's Solomon Byrd, center, of USC, and Darius Muasau, of UCLA, react after a play during the first half of the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Julio Cortez/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) tackles Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward (1) for a sack during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
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UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) tackles Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward (1) for a sack during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Kyusung Gong/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
North Carolina Central wide receiver Joaquin Davis, left, is tackled by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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North Carolina Central wide receiver Joaquin Davis, left, is tackled by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Mark J. Terrill/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) celebrates with linebacker JonJon Vaughns (21) after a stop during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Stanford in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) celebrates with linebacker JonJon Vaughns (21) after a stop during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Stanford in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Ashley Landis/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
South Alabama quarterback Carter Bradley (2) is threatened by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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South Alabama quarterback Carter Bradley (2) is threatened by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Ashley Landis/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Pittsburgh tight end Karter Johnson (8) is tackled by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the first half of the Sun Bowl NCAA college football game, Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 in El Paso, Texas. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
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Pittsburgh tight end Karter Johnson (8) is tackled by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the first half of the Sun Bowl NCAA college football game, Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 in El Paso, Texas. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)

Andres Leighton/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Darron Cummings/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Michael Conroy/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
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Dan Salomone: From Day 1, Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll have preached "smart, tough, and dependable." Those three words can be found around the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, serving as a reminder for everyone as they forge that identity. We learned this weekend there is a hierarchy on that list.

"I'd say the college scouts, Joe, and his staff, have done a really good job of identifying these traits that we covet – toughness being probably near the top," Daboll said after Day 2 of the draft. "And all three of the players that we've acquired so far really fit that mold in terms of mentally tough and physically tough. I think that's important. Defensively, tough tacklers. You know, Dru, he'll bring the wood now. And Malik's mentality, how he is, and then you guys talked to Tyler. Both Tyler and Dru were pretty emotional when we called them. They care about the game. They have the right mindset, and it's a credit to our college scouts, Joe, and his staff, for really identifying some of those traits and we're happy to have both of them."

A night earlier, Schoen used the word "tough" or "toughness" six times when talking about Nabers, especially considering the shoulder injury that the star wide receiver played through last season.

"That's legit, talking to the trainers and the medical staff, this guy didn't miss [games]," Schoen said. "Whatever it is, he's going to fight through it. He's tough, doesn't miss games, doesn't miss practice. If he can play, he's going to play. That's the way this kid is wired. You'll see it, when you guys get around and see the way he practices and the way he plays on game day and see his highlights and you see some of the stuff he can do, whether it's with the ball in his hand, without the ball in his hand. When guys are wired like that, at his age, that's ingrained in him by then. That's who he is. Looking forward to bringing some of that toughness and explosiveness to the roster."

Perhaps it's time to go around the facility and start underlining "tough" on the walls.

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Matt Citak: I could talk at length about all of the Giants' draft picks and how each of them addressed an area of need on the roster. Instead, I'm going to focus on Day 3 picks that could end up having a significant impact on the team, both in 2024 and beyond.

Let's start with tight end Theo Johnson. It can sometimes be tough to project NFL success when it comes to the position. In college, tight ends are asked to do such different things depending on the type of offense they're in. That is why it is important to look at physical traits rather than collegiate success. And when it comes to that, there is a lot to like about Johnson. He earned the second-highest score in this year's tight end class by Next Gen Stats. With a 4.57 40-yard dash and a nearly 40-inch vertical at 6-foot-6, 259 pounds, he also had a 9.93 RAS score, which ranked ninth out of nearly 1,200 tight ends dating back to 1987. This is the sort of physical skillset you want to take a chance on at the tight end position. Johnson is also coming off his best season as a pass-catcher, recording personal-high marks of 34 receptions for 341 yards and seven touchdowns. Over the last two seasons, Penn State quarterbacks had a 146.6 passer rating when targeting Johnson, which led all Big Ten tight ends during that span. While the Giants wait on Darren Waller's situation, adding Johnson not only provides insurance, but it also gives them a physically gifted player at a key position.

As for running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., this is probably the pick I'm most excited about. A converted wide receiver who played six seasons between Iowa and Purdue, Tracy comes to the Giants with only 146 rush attempts to his name. But the 5-foot-11, 209-pound back should improve as he continues to refine his skills as a runner. Tracy had an elite 9.78 RAS score, which ranked 42nd out of 1,903 running backs from 1987 to 2024, led by his 4.48 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical, a broad jump of 10 feet, 4 inches, and 6.81-second three-cone drill. Tracy brings an element of explosiveness to the backfield that should complement Devin Singletary. In fact, if you look at Tracy's combine results, he put up eerily similar numbers as Deebo Samuel. The fifth-round could also be in the mix for the team's kick returner spot as a rookie. Tracy was named to the All-Big Ten team as a return specialist last year as he averaged 25.5 yards per return and scored a touchdown.

📸 Behind the Scenes: Giants Draft Room

Step into the draft room as the Giants select wide receiver Malik Nabers with their first-round pick.

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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager

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Matt Swensen/New York Football Giants
Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach
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Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach

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Brian Daboll Head Coach
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Brian Daboll Head Coach

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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager

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Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
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Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager

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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager

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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager

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Steve Tisch Executive Vice President, Chairman of the Board, Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager
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Steve Tisch Executive Vice President, Chairman of the Board, Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager

Matt Swensen/New York Football Giants
Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Jessie Armstead Special Assistant to the General Manager
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Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Jessie Armstead Special Assistant to the General Manager

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Tyseer Siam Director of Football Data & Innovation, Tim McDonnell Director of Player Personnel
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Tyseer Siam Director of Football Data & Innovation, Tim McDonnell Director of Player Personnel

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Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach
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Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach

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Steve Tisch Executive Vice President, Chairman of the Board
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Steve Tisch Executive Vice President, Chairman of the Board

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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager

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Steve Tisch Executive Vice President, Chairman of the Board, Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager
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Steve Tisch Executive Vice President, Chairman of the Board, Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager

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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager

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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Scott Hamel College Area Scout
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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Scott Hamel College Area Scout

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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager

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Matt Swensen/New York Football Giants
Brendan Prophett College Area Scout
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Brendan Prophett College Area Scout

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Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach

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Brian Daboll Head Coach
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Brian Daboll Head Coach

Matt Swensen/New York Football Giants
Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach
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Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach

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Steve Tisch Executive Vice President, Chairman of the Board, Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager
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Steve Tisch Executive Vice President, Chairman of the Board, Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager

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Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, Tyseer Siam Director of Football Data & Innovation, Tim McDonnell Director of Player Personnel
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Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, Tyseer Siam Director of Football Data & Innovation, Tim McDonnell Director of Player Personnel

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Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Chris Mara Senior Player Personnel Executive, Board Director
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Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Chris Mara Senior Player Personnel Executive, Board Director

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Brian Daboll Head Coach
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Brian Daboll Head Coach

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Steve Tisch Executive Vice President, Chairman of the Board
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Steve Tisch Executive Vice President, Chairman of the Board

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Blaise Bell College Area Scout
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Blaise Bell College Area Scout

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Brian Daboll Head Coach
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Brian Daboll Head Coach

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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager

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Marcus Cooper National Scout
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Marcus Cooper National Scout

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Matt Swensen/New York Football Giants
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager

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Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager
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Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager

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Steve Tisch Executive Vice President, Chairman of the Board
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Steve Tisch Executive Vice President, Chairman of the Board

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Matt Swensen/New York Football Giants
Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
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Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager

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Brian Daboll Head Coach
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Brian Daboll Head Coach

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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Marcus Cooper National Scout
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Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Marcus Cooper National Scout

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Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager
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Brandon Brown  Assistant General Manager

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