You know what they say about when you assume things. It makes an a--, well, you know the rest. That is exactly where I find myself right now, looking at a giant plate of crow and wondering how much hot sauce it’s going to take to get it down -- green pepper is my favorite.
When the New York Giants used the 186th overall pick on Auburn defensive tackle Bobby Jamison-Travis, there was admittedly a lot of trepidation as I was still feeling pretty annoyed over how the whole Dexter Lawrence trade unfolded. The frustration may have boiled over on draft weekend, leading to a sarcastic tweet responding to the rookie's conditioning -- or lack thereof -- from a report from SNY's Connor Hughes:
This is not the "ringing" endorsement #Giants fans were looking for in their "Dexter Lawrence replacemen"
— GMEN HQ (@GMENHQ) April 25, 2026
Unrelated -- I wonder what DJ Reader's up to... https://t.co/dA9a8vf5PV
Funny enough, the G-Men actually went out and signed D.J. Reader shortly after the draft, which makes that tweet look laughable now.
ESPN draft analyst Field Yates had already purchased stock in the former War Eagle, naming him an instant-impact rookie to watch. And while it's only OTAs -- no pads or contact -- it's really hard not to be encouraged by what BJT has been doing this early on. The big man was an absolute problem all OTAs, getting into the backfield and using his massive wingspan to swat down passes at the line.
Bobby Jamison-Travis is the potential late-round steal the Giants defensive front needs
New York drafted the big-bodied 6-foot-3, 328-pounder to be an immovable brick wall, especially against the ground game. They took him for that specific reason, understanding there was limited pass-rushing upside. And he hasn't disappointed.
The goal is he uses his massive frame and appetite to eat up double teams, muddy-up the inside, and free up the pass-rushers so they can delete quarterbacks or blow up run plays in the backfield.
The 25-year-old was part of Big Blue's DL restoration project -- the defensive line underwent a massive, much-needed overhaul this offseason after losing Lawrence.
The veteran presence of Reader and Shelby Harris will anchor the group, but they also brought in Leki Fotu, Zacch Pickens, Sam Roberts, Josh Tupou, Anquin Barnes Jr., and Ben Barten. This new depth chart creates a fascinating, wide-open -- and difficult -- opportunity for a hungry rookie.
BJT can carve out an early rotational role if he keeps the good times rolling. If the Minneapolis native can continue to do the dirty work that doesn't always get noticed, he's got a legitimate shot at becoming an instant-impact early-down piece just like Yates predicted.
OTAs are officially in the rearview mirror. The next chance he'll get to impress is at mandatory minicamp, which goes from June 8-10. Training camp starts in July. Jamison-Travis needs to keep up the momentum when the pads finally come on.
And if he does, I will happily keep eating my words all summer long.
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