When the NFL Draft ends, the real work for front offices begins. There is a mad scramble to sign the undrafted free agents to help fill out their 90-man offseason rosters.
The New York Giants have had some success in the UDFA market over the years, adding players such as Victor Cruz and Mark Herzlich. Last year, they landed cornerback Grant Haley and linebacker Tae Davis.
This year, after adding 10 players in the draft, the Giants signed 10 more players who went undrafted. Here are five that we find intriguing.
Reggie White Jr., WR, Monmouth
He is the son of a former NFL player, just not the one you’re thinking of. White was one of the first players reported to sign with Big Blue after the draft. White holds the all-time receptions record at Monmouth and had 71 catches for 1,133 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2018.
His size (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) will get him a long look in camp but he’s got a steep hill to climb as the Giants wide receiver room is jampacked and they just drafted Auburn’s Darius Slayton and reportedly signed Northern Colorado UDFA Alex Wesley. Still, White may have the right stuff to hang in the NFL like two other Monmouth wideouts: Miles Austin and Chris Hogan.
Joseph Tauaefa, LB, Texas-San Antonio
Alec Ogletree, B.J. Goodson, Tae Davis and freshly-drafted Ryan Connelly have the inside track on the inside linebacker positions but the high-energy Tauaefa could come in and make some noise. As a junior, he had a breakout campaign, leading UTSA with 113 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss with 4.5 sacks and three quarterback hurries. He was also named one of 10 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, which is given to the nation’s top linebacker.
Tauaefa began getting noticed while scouts were poring over film of former teammate Marcus Davenport, an edge rusher who was selected in the first round by the New Orleans Saints last year. Tauaefa fully expected to hear his name called during this year’s draft, but didn’t. Now he comes to the Giants ready to show the world what he’s made of.
James O’Hagen, C, Buffalo
Why a center? The Giants just tendered ERFA Jon Halapio and signed Spencer Pulley to a three-year deal. They also have Evan Brown, a holdover from last season. O’Hagan (6-foot-2, 303 pounds) is a Seaford, Long Island native who earned third-team All-MAC honors in his last two seasons at Buffalo. He comes in as a long shot but the Giants can’t have enough depth along the offensive line these days.
Draft Analyst describes O’Hagan as “strong, explosive center best in a smaller area. Explosive at the point, fires off the snap and turns defenders from the action. Anchors in pass protection, blocks with proper lean and works hard through the whistle. Keeps his head on a swivel and works well with linemates. Effective with shotgun snaps… a solid collegiate center who has the tenacity and small-area strength to make an NFL roster as a backup.”
Paul Adams, OT, Missouri
With the Giants searching for an answer at right tackle, the signing of Adams (6-foot-6, 317 pounds) is an important one. At Mizzou, he was charged with keeping all of those highly-touted SEC pass rushers from flattening quarterback Drew Lock. Adams was a three-year starter at right tackle and could come right in and impress the Giants with his experience at the position.
The Giants currently have Chad Wheeler at right tackle and drafted another SEC player in George Asafo-Adjei of Kentucky in the seventh round this past weekend. The rumors that the Giants will also bring in a veteran or two to audition at right tackle (Mike Remmers, for one) will give the coaching staff more options at the position.
Mark McLaurin, S, Mississippi State
McLaurin (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) started 12 of 13 games and recorded 74 tackles, 4.5 for loss, with four pass breakups and was voted the MVP of A&M’s blowout win over N.C. State in the TaxSlayer Bowl. He is a very productive player who can challenge for a roster spot this summer but also has a steep hill to surmount in order to make this roster.
McLaurin’s 4.77 40-time at the NFL Combine probably dropped him down team’s draft boards, ethics probably why he went undrafted. The Giants currently have Antoine Bethea, Jabrill Peppers, Michael Thomas, Sean Chandler, Kenny Ladler and Kamrin Moore at safety, so McLaurin will have to play lights out in camp to make this team.
