The New York Giants were active on the waiver wire this weekend, as they bolstered the secondary with the three new defensive backs, added a kick returner/wide receiver, a defensive tackle and a center. The pickups took care of several holes on the roster, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The most underrated signing was center Spencer Pulley – a player that starter 16 games on the Los Angeles Chargers. The release of reserve lineman Brett Jones last week was surprising, but they added an experienced player in Pulley that counts far less against the cap.
How do the signings influence the New York Giants in week 1?
While the players that were added will need a few days to understand the system and become a legitimate part of the defense, let’s take a look at how each can contribute for the first regular season game.
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
1.) WR Kaelin Clay
Clay is a return specialist and wide receiver. With Hunter Sharp being released by the Giants, the new addition will be the primary kick returner moving forward. He’s not the most enticing receiving option, but he will certinaly play an important role moving forward.
2.) DE Mario Edwards
Edwards was a former second round draft pick by the Oakland Raiders. Last season, he played in 14 games amassing 19 total tackles and 3.5 sacks. It’s possible the Giants saw more value in him as an outside linebacker at 6-foot-3, 280 pounds. He should be a rotational piece moving forward. He likely won’t be that influential for the first few weeks of the season.
3.) DB Antonio Hamilton
The former Raiders defensive back had a stellar preseason but just didn’t manage to stick on the active roster. He has immense potential after sitting most of 2017 out with an injury. If he can stay on the field he should be a good reserve corner, especially on a man-coverage heavy James Bettcher defense.
4.) DB Michael Jordan
Jordan played in just five games for the rams in 2016 and 15 for the Cleveland Browns in 2017. He’s a rising player with potential. He’s started in just three games but has good size at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, and offers value as a reserve corner. He recorded 15 total tackles and two passes defended last season. While he will need a bit of time to learn the system, he can offer value after a few weeks out. I wouldn’t expect to see him much, but they will allocate resources to help him improve.
5.) DB Kamrin Moore
Moore was a sixth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints this season. He seems to have decent potential, but is more suited to player a reserve/last resort type of role. He’s a rookie after all and will need time to develop. The Giants must like his physical attributes enough to allocate time and resources toward his growth.
6.) C Spencer Pulley
As stated above, Pulley is a great value acquisition that can provide quality as a reserve player. He has the experience to fill in in case of injury and requires a lot less of a money allocation. His influence will come in terms of injury or bad performance.