NY Giants signing XFL DL is a smart low-risk move by Joe Schoen

The defensive line depth keeps on getting better for the NY Giants. At this point last year that most definitely wasn't the case, but the same can't be said these days, especially after the Giants brought in a new body for the DL room on Thursday.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen went out and signed DL Kobe Smith, a former University of South Carolina star. While Smith bounced around with a few teams in the NFL (though he's never appeared in a game), he's most recently known for his time in the XFL.

Smith isn't a big name at all and no one is expecting this guy to be a stud for the G-Men. However, he's going to provide some solid competition for the team later this offseason once training camp arrives.

#NYGiants are signing DT Kobe Smith after a workout today, per @AgentChristinaP.

Smith, 24, was teammates with Rakeem Nunez-Roches. Has spent time with Titans, Bucs, Eagles and Falcons.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) June 15, 2023

NY Giants signing Kobe Smith adds even more depth for the defensive line

Smith was undrafted out of South Carolina in 2020, signing with the Titans as an undrafted free agent. After that, he also had short stops with the Eagles, Falcons and Bucs on their practice squads. He's never suited up for a regular season game, though.

This spring, Smith played for the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL, appearing in three games. Smith, a 6-2, 310-pounder, posted seven tackles and 0.5 sacks. Those stats don't jump off the page, but the youngster has a strong motor and he's got some decent speed for his massive size.

New #NYGiants DT Kobe Smith recently finished a spring with Hall of Fame WR, now Head Coach Hines Ward of the @XFLBrahmas.

He’s #50 on this 3rd down sack on XFL passing yards leader, @XFLBattlehawks QB A.J McCarron. https://t.co/9w6ExwcJ7P pic.twitter.com/80cxDSPxm3
— peter (@sinatraswinery) June 15, 2023

Schoen already added Rakeem Nunez-Roches, A'Shawn Robinson and Jordon Riley for the defensive line this offseason. Bringing in Smith obviously isn't going to break the bank, but again, it will help out from a depth and competition standpoint at camp.

The more bodies up front for the Giants and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, the better. This feels like yet another smart move from Schoen.

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