New York Giants: 2 dark horse UDFAs to keep an eye on in 2020

By 
·July 8, 2020
New York Giants, Derrick Dillon

Jan 1, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) scores a touchdown against the UCF Knights during the first half of the 2019 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants have struggled at the kick returner position over the past few years. Flashing back to David Wilson and his explosiveness gives us an idea of what a good return man can do for the offense and field position.

The likes of Corey Coleman and former Giant Cody Latimer were lackluster from a kick return standpoint. Jabrill peppers entered the fold and suffered a season-ending injury after a fantastic return against the Bears in 2019.

However, Latimer is no longer a Giant, and Coleman is coming off an ACL tear. The coaches will be looking for another player to test out the position, and that is where to undrafted free agents potentially enter the picture.

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Here are two undrafted players the New York Giants could utilize in 2020:

1.) Javon Leake

Leake is an exciting young player out of Maryland. At 6 foot and 215 pounds, Leake represents an explosive straightaway runner who can burst into the open field. While he lacks lateral mobility and agility, if there is an open hole to run through, Javon can certainly exploit it.

He compares well to Tevin Coleman, who is a decent pass-catching back and can explode through running lanes.

While the Maryland product only enjoyed 155 total touches over three seasons, his big-play potential makes him someone to keep an eye on this summer. While I don’t believe he will earn one of the top three running back slots, I believe he can be a decent contributor on special teams, specifically as a kick returner.

2.) Derrick Dillon

Derek Dillon is an unrecognized player out of LSU, who has elite speed. As an explosive runner with a 4.29 40 yard dash, he is the perfect player to serve as a kick returner in the NFL.

In 2019, he caught 15 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns. At just 5 foot 11 and 185 pounds, he’s a smaller player that likely serves best in the slot. It will be difficult for him to earn a spot on the team with reserve options like Binjimen Victor, Austin Mack, David Sills, Da’Mari Scott, Cody Core, and Alex Bachman competing for roster spots.

His best bet is earning a special team’s position, and his speed gives him the ability to return kicks at a high-level.

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