Each year, there are scores of undrafted free agents (UDFAs) that end up crashing the party, ending up on roster all over the NFL.
The New York Giants have several players in camp that can sneak onto their 53-man roster this week.
Tight end C.J. Conrad
Conrad made a quick impression on the coaches in mini-camp and then early in training camp, but his play in the preseason has not reflected his value. He can do it all but has run with the backups this summer, catching four passes for 26 yards and basically has not stood out mainly because he hasn’t been showcased.
He’s not that type of player anyway. He is almost a clone of Rhett Ellison and Scott Simonson, two players ahead of him on the depth chart. And lest us not forget, Evan Engram is being touted for a big season.
“He’s done a good job,” said head coach Pat Shurmur. “Again, another guy that’s gotten steadily better. We’re pleased with the progress he’s making. We’ll just see in the final analysis if he makes it or not.”
LB Josiah Tauaefa
Tauaefa has come in and done just what he did in college at Texas-San Antonio — make plays. He leads the Giants in total tackles with 13, has a sack and a fumble recovery. The Giants linebackers are in flux at the moment. B.J. Goodson is on the roster bubble, Alec Ogletree is hurt again and Big Blue might be looking for another tackler in the middle of the defense.
I don’t see the Giants letting Tauaefa go. Currently, he is dealing with a shoulder issue, so if he doesn’t make the team, he could end up on injured reserve rather than on another team’s roster this year.
WR Reggie White Jr.
The Giants have an army of second-rate receivers. That’s not a bad thing. It does, however, make forming a wideout unit of your best players a tougher task, but Golden Tate’s suspension and Darius Slayton’s hamstring are loosening things up right now. That’s good news for White.
White has six receptions for 100 yards for an average of 16.7 yards per catch. The Monmouth product has embraced the No. 13 jersey and has the drive to play in the NFL. Whether or not he gets the chance this year remains to be seen. I see the Giants signing him back to the practice squad if he doesn’t make the 53.
LB Jake Carlock
The Long Island kid is a long-shot to make the team, but he will be one the players Shurmur will be hesitant to cut. Carlock can do a multitude of things on a football field and exudes energy and enthusiasm. He has all the earmarks of a great special teams player who can inject some versatility in the defense if needed. He can also long snap which adds to his value.
