New York Giants kicker Aldrick Rosas isn’t receiving much of the spotlight. Rosas is cherishing the unique opportunity to develop without immediate pressure.
The New York Giants currently have one place kicker on the roster. Much could change between now and Week 1 of the 2017 NFL regular season, but said approach may indicate the front office’s intentions to begin the year with its lone kicker at the top of the depth chart.
If you feel the buildup to the reveal is somewhat enigmatic, it’s simply consistent with the organization’s approach to the matter.
It was announced on January 19, 2017 that the Giants had signed kicker Aldrick Rosas to a futures contract. In the five months that have followed, the Giants have quietly made decisions that imply Rosas’ contract title previewed what he represents: the future.
According to Paul Schwartz of The New York Post, Rosas is relishing the opportunity to develop away from the spotlight.
"“In a way I kind of look at it as an advantage,” Rosas said recently. “You see a guy out there, where did he come from or who is that guy? It kind of keeps me off a lot of talk.”"
Enigmatic players still face high expectations, but avoiding the spotlight often enables players to experience natural growth.
Rosas went undrafted in 2016, but experienced a quality career at Southern Oregon University. He went 16-of-21 on field goals and 83-of-86 on extra points in 2014, kicking 78 touchbacks on 115 attempts.
Although Rosas has flown under the radar as an NFL prospect, he seems to have intrigued the Giants to the point of being the No. 1 choice at kicker.
If he isn’t, then general manager Jerry Reese is certainly taking his time in finding the player he prefers.
Rosas is currently 22 years of age, which implies that there’s untapped potential for the Giants to explore. He’s experienced his fair share of trouble with accuracy, but has a powerful leg that intrigued New York’s front office and coaching staff.
Despite being the only kicker on the roster, he’s received the benefit of being outside of the spotlight and in the coaches’ good graces.
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Here’s hoping Aldrick Rosas is ready for the spotlight when the New York Giants call his number in 2017.