We are about a month away from NY Giants training camp arriving and fans can't wait for the stars to put on a show. Come late July, the excitement for preseason and Week 1 will be at a new level. We are ready for that time of year to get here.
With that said, there are plenty of under-the-radar players who will be ready to make a splash. This includes undrafted free agents, who are always fan-favorites in the summer. So, could any UDFAs somehow find their way on to the 53-man roster? In this piece, we take a look at three guys for Big Blue fans to keep an eye on once camp does arrive:
3. NY Giants OLB Habakkuk Baldonado
Habakkuk Baldonado may not be a household name, but he might have a better chance of making the team then you may think. Baldonado has multiple factors that are working in his favor, including the lack of depth at pass-rusher for this squad. This was an issue last year and it's still something that the front office needs to address.
Throughout the offseason, a major topic of conversation among the fanbase has been adding more pass-rush depth. Fans have been clamoring for Joe Schoen an Co. to sign a veteran free agent, with Justin Houston being among the names mentioned. However, due to cap limitations, it's up in the air if Schoen will make that happen.
Baldonado can make the team in a similar way that Tomon Fox did last year. If the Giants decide to go the young route, Baldonado could stick. He is a strong, tough, disciplined pass-rusher out of Pittsburgh who could provide some rotational pass-rush ability. He has a real chance to beat out players like Elerson Smith and Oshane Ximines if he has a strong enough offseason. Schoen is not done tweaking the roster by a long shot, so definitely keep an eye on Baldonado.
2. NY Giants CB Gemon Green
Next up on our list we have Gemon Green, a definite under-the-radar cornerback out of Michigan. Gemon is facing a big uphill battle because unlike Baldonado, he is surrounded by a very crowded room of players.
Green has one thing that you can't coach, though: size. Green stands at 6-2 and 186 pounds. Green was also a three-year starter at Michigan, which shows his durability and talent. He does well in press man coverage, which is good for Wink Martindale's system and he is a physical corner. He does come with some production concerns, but he could find his way onto the Giants practice squad potentially.
It will be tough for him to crack the final 53 with the additions of Deonte Banks, Tre Hawkins, and safety Gervarrius Owens in the draft, to go along with the signings of Amani Oruwariye, Leonard Johnson, as well as the last years young players fighting for spots. There's going to be a lot of competition at camp, and Green will be in the middle of it all.
1. NY Giants WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton
The man you've been waiting for: Bryce Ford Wheaton. Plenty of people were shocked that Ford-Wheaton didn't hear his name called during the NFL Draft. Multiple analysts predicted him to be a mid-round selection, but seven rounds went by without his name getting called. The Giants won out on signing him as an UDFA.
Ford-Wheaton put on a show at the NFL Combine, posting a 4.38 40-yard dash, while posting a 41-inch vertical leap. The wideout also had a decent senior season at West Virginia, hauling in 62 receptions for 675 yards and seven touchdowns. Ford-Wheaton will hope to be a surprise addition to the 53-man roster, but even if he doesn't make the Week 1 squad, having him on the practice squad will be key.
We predict the Giants to keep 6-7 wideouts for the 53-man roster. As things stand, there are 14 WRs listed on the official team website. However, you already know that number is going to start dropping once cuts start to roll in.
With Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, Wan'Dale Robinson, Parris Campbell, Sterling Shepard, Jalin Hyatt and others in the mix, Daboll must feel good about his options at WR. Ford-Wheaton will look to make a name for himself as well. With his 6-4 size, he could be a matchup problem for opposing DBs. We have high hopes for him.
Honorable Mention: QB Tommy DeVito
With the NFL rule change that teams can now hold a third QB on the gameday roster without having to use a spot for the 53, plenty of eyes will be on Tommy DeVito. This seems like the perfect situation for the New Jersey native. DeVito is well known in the area, having won a state title with Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey) in high school. That title was captured at MetLife Stadium.
To start his career, DeVito can sit behind Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor and take his time in learning the system. He's not going to hear his number called during the regular season unless it's in an emergency situation. DeVito started his career at Syracuse before transferring to Illinois.
DeVito will look to build chemistry with the NY wideouts during training camp, something he was able to get done already during the offseason program this spring. For now, the QB3 job is DeVito's to lose, but you never know if Schoen will bring in more competition for him ahead of camp getting here.
READ MORE: 5 significant questions for the NY Giants at wide receiver