The New York Giants had the No. 2 waiver wire priority going into Sunday afternoon. This gives them the chance to grab a solid player that slips through the cracks. Only players that have played four years and under are eligible to be claimed off waivers, anybody else is a free agent that can sign with any team they choose.
With the No. 2 priority pick, the Giants put in claims for six players. They grabbed WR Kaelin Clay, DE Mario Edwards, DB Michael Jordan, DB Kamrin Moore, C Spender Pulley, and DB Antonio Hamilton.
Giants' 6 waiver claims (I read it wrong as 7 the first time): WR Kaelin Clay, DE Mario Edwards, DB Antonio Hamilton, DB Michael Jordan, DB Kamrin Moore, C Spencer Pulley. Guess Gettleman wasn't wild about Reese's roster.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 2, 2018
Hamilton was the most intriguing name off of this list in regard to the secondary. In limited action this preseason he has been a menace.
#Raiders cornerback Antonio Hamilton played well in 18 total snaps against Detroit, with a 90.3 overall grade, and a 92.6 coverage grade ??
In 11 coverage snaps, Hamilton was targeted 3 times and allowed 1 catch for 8 yards, and had 2 pass breakups ?
— PFF Las Vegas Raiders (@PFF_Raiders) August 13, 2018
Let’s put these numbers into perspective. On three targets Hamilton managed to break up two passes. That means that every pass that was thrown his way was catchable- this displays his ability as a man-coverage corner. The Giants play a 3-4 scheme that relies heavily on the corners to keep their assignments in-front of them.
Hamilton was originally an undrafted free agent back in 2016. He played sparingly over the course of his first two seasons and was placed on injured reserve early in October of 2017. He missed a majority of the season but remained on the roster despite the overhaul of the Raiders defense.
The New York Giants will get a player with serious potential:
With the Giants holding Janoris Jenkins, Eli Apple, Donte Deayon, and William Gay as the primary corners on the roster, it presents opportunity for Hamilton. Behind Jenkins the corners are relatively unreliable, which should give the third-year defensive back a chance to earn some serious reps.