Giants officially sign 9 UDFA’s; Xavier Grimble next

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It was a paperwork filled Monday and Tuesday for the Giants, officially bringing aboard nine undrafted free agents to begin the week: LB Justin Anderson, SS C.J. Barnett, DE Emmanuel Dieke, LB Dan Fox, SS Thomas Gordon, DT Eathyn Manumaleuna, DT Kelcy Quarles, DE Kerry Wynn and OLB/DE Jordan Stanton. Indeed, Stanton was a late addition to the group, not included in post-draft compilations.

At 6’4 260 pounds Stanton was converted to outside linebacker by James Madison (FCS) last season. The move paid hefty dividends as he recorded eight sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss as a senior. He actually began his career at defensive tackle, so he’s lined up all over the defensive map. His JMU Pro Day was cut short after pulling a hamstring during his initial 40-yard dash run. Stanton bench pressed 18 reps of 225 lbs, and jumped a 29′ vertical/9-7 broad.

Tight end Xavier Grimble will be the final UDFA to officially become a member of the Giants on Wednesday. A once highly regarded prospect entering USC, Grimble struggled to fight off injuries in the Trojan lands and never made the widely-anticipated impact most recruiting experts projected (730 receiving yards in three seasons).

There is no doubting his natural receiving skills, but Grimble’s athletic limitations were highlighted during his USC Pro Day — he clocked between 4.98 and 5.02 in the 40-yard dash. However, if he can block and develop into a productive red zone target, all sins are forgiven.

Until then… Grimble will have his work cut out to simply crack the Giants 53-man roster. Given that he hasn’t even arrived at the team complex yet, all other expectations are excessive at this point.