The NFL Draft may be over, but the New York Giants will now look to use undrafted free agency to fill out the remainder of their roster and find contributors.
(Note: Some players may have already agreed to sign with teams, as this is a fast-moving process.)
The New York Giants hired Carmen Bricillo this offseason to be their new offensive line coach, and he’s been doing his homework on Oklahoma Sooners offensive linemen.
I personally saw Bricillo spend an extended period talking to Oklahoma offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh at the Senior Bowl earlier this year, and he then went to the Oklahoma pro day in person before the draft.
Versatility goes a long way late in the draft and in undrafted free agency, and few offensive linemen are as versatile as Karsen Barnhart.
In his five seasons at Michigan, Barnhart played every position on the offensive line except center.
I don’t think he has the length or talent to play as a tackle at the NFL level, but the Giants have shown their willingness to ignore length if they’re in a pinch. The Giants met with Barnhart.
The Giants spent a day three draft pick on Penn State tight end Theo Johnson, but when it comes time to roster management, teams don’t care if they spent a day three pick or the first overall pick on a position – they’re trying to find contributors if possible.
In March, the Giants had staff members at the South Carolina Pro Day, and while there was certainly focus on quarterback Spencer Rattler, pass-catchers were also watched.
