The NY Giants and general manager Joe Schoen had a sensational draft, there’s no doubt about that. Things were 100 percent highlighted by the additions of Kayvon Thibodeaux with the No. 5 overall selection, while the team also hit a home run two picks later by landing Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal.
With that said, Schoen and Co. weren’t done making additions after the draft, as they reached deals with double-digit undrafted free agents. One of them included tight end Austin Allen. While the former Nebraska standout won’t enter training camp with the same kind of hype as other rookies, he’s simply a player that no one should sleep on.
NY Giants tight end Austin Allen will be a player to watch at camp
Allen has incredible size for a tight end, as he checks in at a cool 6-foot-8, 260 pounds. Imagine the G-Men being down near the goal line and having an option like Allen for Daniel Jones to throw to? He’d be a big-bodied target, no question. With that said, head coach Brian Daboll made it clear the rookie still has a lot to get done moving forward.
"“He’s got a lot to learn,” Daboll said on the former Cornhusker. “Big-body guy. Fit right in with the rest of the guys. But long way to go.””"
During his four years at Nebraska, Allen was known for being a fantastic blocker. He also showcased some great hands, as he caught 38 balls last year for 602 yards and two touchdowns. Those were career highs for him across the board. While Daniel Bellinger has emerged as a favorite to win the TE1 job, that doesn’t mean Allen won’t be able to sneak his way onto the roster.
It’s feeling more and more likely the Giants could end up parting ways with tight end Ricky Seals-Jones. The Giants signed him to a new deal, but the emergence of Bellinger has opened the door for the G-Men to potentially release him. With Allen ready to make plays for this team too, it could make the decision easier for Schoen in this case.
Allen isn’t the kind of guy who is going to be a Pro Bowl caliber player this fall if he does make the 53-man roster, but his outstanding size is something you can’t forget about. The fact that he can also block and catch the ball when it’s thrown his way will help his chances. Again, Allen may not make the 53-man roster and the odds are stacked against him. Still, he’ll 100 percent be a guy to pay attention to from the start of training camp.