New York Giants: Three UDFAs to keep an eye on
TE C.J. Conrad
C.J. Conrad, an undrafted free agent out of Kentucky, is making a strong case for a roster spot with the New York Giants this summer. The 6-foot-4, 248 pound tight end prospect has been impressing the Giants’ Giants’ coaches with his all-around play and could find himself on the final 53-man roster come September.
Patricia Traina of Inside Football, a veteran Giants beat reporter, had this to say after the team’s minicamp this past week.
"“Remember this name, folks. If he’s healthy and can show he’s as good a blocker as he looked to be on tape, don’t be stunned if this two-way tight end–he’s a pretty reliable receiver–is on the 53-man roster at the end of camp ahead of Scott Simonson an Garrett Dickerson.”"
Conrad helped his chances at minicamp by showing a reliable pair of hands and a propensity to get into the end zone. Dan Salamone of Giants.com made these observations after Day 2 of camp:
"The Kentucky product is doing what every undrafted rookie wants to do this time of year – get noticed. The 6-foot-4, 248-pound tight end made everyone take note of No. 47 today with some big gains from (QB Alex)Tanney, including another deep pass down the middle and a one-handed grab. Then Jones found Conrad wide open for an easy score during red-zone drills."
Star of minicamp practice #2 was undrafted TE C.J. Conrad out of Kentucky. He was catching passes left and right, including multiple TDs from Daniel Jones. Definitely a name to watch this summer. Pat Shurmur noted he’s one of young players that has “taken advantage” of his reps.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) June 5, 2019
"“I like Conrad,” tight ends coach Lunda Wells said in May after the team’s rookie minicamp per Giants.com. “He’s tough. He’s smart. He can learn. He’s not a blazer, but he’s instinctive in the pass game. It didn’t take a long time to figure out that this guy is very determined about being a really good player and I like that about him. He takes coaching very well. I really like that kid from what we saw over the three-day rookie minicamp.”"
Wells also believes Conrad will fit in well with the other tight ends, even though he is likely to take one or their jobs.
"“He is one of those guys that will fit right in with those guys. Easy going, again, loves football. He’s a good guy for that room.”"
That seems to be the underlying theme here with the Giants this year. They are ridding themselves of ingrates and self-centered players and bringing in team-oriented guys. Conrad fits that bill to a tee.