New York Giants: Reese Misses the Mark with UDFA Signings
by Michael Stewart | Featured Columnist
Historically, Jerry Reese has always been a very good evaluator of talent; especially when it came to signing UDFA. Players such as Victor Cruz, Larry Donnell, Jake Ballard, Henry Hynoski and Will Hill were all discovered by Reese and signed by the Giants.
Fast forward to 2015, although Reese did well in the draft, he was not so fortunate during the UDFA signings. Below are the names of who Reese has selected and also who Reese should have selected instead.
Reese selection :
OL-Sean Donnelly
Who Reese should have selected:
OL-La’el Collins, Jose Matias, Rob Crisp, Darrian Miller: All of these OL are rated higher than Donnelly, however; in La,el Collins case Reese should have jump through hoops to at least have a one on one meeting.
Collins has stated publicly that he wanted to be a Cowboy. Not buying that one bit. If Reese had offered more than Dallas for 3 years, Collins could have most likely been wearing Giants blue and white.
Reese selection :
S-Justin Currie
Who Reese should have selected:
S-Anthony Harris, Kurtis Drummond, Cody Prewitt, Ladarius Gunter and Durell Eskridge: All rated higher than Currie and had better college careers. Reese missed big time here, especially with the lack of depth at the safety position.
Reese selection :
LB-Cole Farrand
Who Reese should have selected:
LB-Taiwan Jones, Mike Hull, Alani Fua: Jones is the one Reese should have gotten. He’s a very physical ILB who the Giants could have groomed to succeed Beason. Farrand’s not even close to Jones; in terms of talent and upside.
Reese selection :
DE-Brad Harrah
Who Reese should have selected
DL-Lynden Trail, Xavier Williams, Derrick Lott: All are rated higher than Harrah, especially Trail who has freakish potential and was worth a look and clearly has more upside than Harrah.
Reese selection :
TE-Matt LaCosse
Who Reese should have selected:
Antwan Goodley: I like LaCosse and believe that he might have something. However; with Donnell, Fells and Robinson on the roster, I doubt LaCosse will be able to make the roster. Also, despite the selection of Geremy Davis in round 6, Goodley would have been the perfect security blanket in case Victor Cruz is delayed from playing. Goodley has the ability to be lethal in the slot and on the outside.
Reese selection :
Who Reese should have selected:
I like this selection as Reese acquires a back that’s very well-rounded in terms of his ability to play RB/KR/PR. Also has very good hands and could be used like former Giants RB Dave Meggett.
Final Thoughts: As I mentioned, Reese is notorious for his ability of finding players that slip through the radar; until this season. One advice to Reese, keep an eye on any of these players mentioned above. If any one of them should be put on waivers and there is an opportunity to claim them, do it as it will be worth the risk.