By Michael Stewart/@TheTruthNYG
The 2022 NFL draft is projecting to have a fairly deep UDFA class and the Giants should be in the market for more roster depth. While compiling my list I had to leave off a number of talented players and as always this list could be argumentative. Here are my top 10 offense and defensive prospects that could slip through the drafting process and be available as UDFA.
Offense
- Brock Purdy (QB) Iowa State-6’1/212: Could go late on Day 3, but with the depth of this class, wouldn’t surprise me if he’s a UDFA candidate.
- Justin Shaffer (OG) Georgia-6’4/325: Offensive line class deep pushes Shaffer to UDFA status.
- Ty Chandler (RB) N. Carolina-6’0/210: Elite speed (4.38) solid RB and quality UDFA pick.
- Jalen Nailor (WR) Michigan State-6’0/190: Depth of the WR class pushes Nailor to UDFA status.
- Erik Swenson (OT/OG) Oklahoma-6’6/330: Numbers game here with the OL, Swenson solid value as a UDFA.
- Jamal Pettigrew (TE) McNeese-6’7/250: Solid UDFA pick to develop for 2023.
- Andrew Ogletree (TE) Youngstown State-6’7/250: Big body TE needs to develop his game in a few areas.
- D’Vonte Price (RB) Florida International-6’2/198: Elite speed (4.38) but needs to bulk up a bit without affecting his speed. A year on the practice squad will benefit him.
- Tyquan Thornton (WR) Baylor-6’3/177: blazing speed (4.27) could fall due to the depth of the wide receiver class and the overall talent at other positions in this draft.
- Cole Kelley (QB) SE Louisiana-6’7/260: Great size and a throwing arm to match. Solid UDFA pick to develop on the practice squad without the need to rush him.
Defense
- Ali Fayad (OLB) Western Michigan-6’2/248: Undersized edge prospect who will need to move to OLB. Solid UDFA signee with pass rushing abilities.
- Esezi Otomewo (DE) Minnesota-6’6/285: Solid frame with an upside to develop into a solid rotational defensive lineman.
- Avery Roberts (ILB) Oregon State-6’1/235: Two-down ILB needs to improve in pass coverage.
- Percy Butler (FS/CB) Louisiana-6’0/192: lots of speed (4.36) with room to grow.
- Noah Ellis (DL) Idaho-6’4/360: One dimensional run stuffer who will need to control his weight.
- Noah Taylor (OLB) Virginia-6’5/235: Lots of upside but needs to add bulk and would benefit a year on the practice squad to develop at his own pace.
- Al Blades Jr. (CB) Miami U-6’1/188: Victim of the CB depth class. Solid depth candidate.
- Luke Masterson (SS) Wake Forest-6’2/231: A tweener, needs to develop coverage skills.
- Aaron Hansford (ILB) Texas A&M-6’3/239: Has been labeled a tweener as he’s too slow to be on the outside. Needs to bulk up a bit to play ILB.
- Aubrey Solomon (DL) Tennessee-6’5/325: Big body/Solid UDFA option with an upside.
As I mentioned in my opening paragraph, there are a ton of prospects who could have easily made this list; unfortunately, I had to limit it to top 10 on both sides of the ball. At this point the Giants available roster spots on the 90-man roster is unclear as it’s currently a revolving door. Last year, the Giants were only able to add three prospects from the UDFA phase after the 2021 draft. This year’s 2022 class is expected to produce a deep and talented group of UDFA prospects and hopefully GM Joe Schoen can possibly find a diamond in the rough.