Here are some thoughts on which 2011 NFL Draft Prospects to watch in Tuesday night's Sugar Bowl game between Ohio State and Arkansas. We are, of course, especially interested in players who might be on the radar screen of the New York Giants and New York Jets.
↵Ohio State
↵The highest-rated prospect in the game is Buckeyes defensive end Cameron Heyward, a 6-foot-6, 288-poounder who looks like a first-rounder right now. The Giants love DEs, and the Jets could use a pass rusher. Cornerback Chimdi Chekwa, (Sr., 2nd-4th) could be of interest to either team.
↵The Giants could also be interested in several of the Ohio State offensive linemen. Junior offensive tackle Mike Adams is projected as an early-round pick, senior guard Justin Boren a mid-round selection and junior center Mike Brewster a mid-round possibility if he declares. The giants need to add depth and young talent on an aging line.
↵Arkansas
↵Quarterback Ryan Mallett is the most obvious Razorback prospect, but neither the Jets or Giants figure to be in the quarterback market.
↵Watch these players: DeMarcus Love, OT (Sr., 1st-2nd), D.J. Williams, TE (Sr., 2nd-4th), Ray Dominguez, OT/G (Sr., 7th-UD), Anthony Leon, OLB (Sr., 7th-UD), Jerry Franklin, ILB (Jr., 2nd-4th).
↵All of them could be of interest to the local teams. The Giants pick 19th in the draft, while the Jets will pick in the bottom of the round with their exact spot to be determined by how they fare in the playoffs.
↵-- See Mocking the Draft for all your 2011 NFL Draft needs
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