New York Giants: 2 rookies fighting for a roster spot during training camp

With rookie training camp starting on Tuesday, the New York Giants are gearing up to iron out there active roster for the 2020 regular season. The NFL and NFLPA came to a conclusion on testing protocols, and given the short timetable they had to negotiate, it happened rather quickly.

With testing and health protocols in place, the Giants and other teams can begin training correctly. Most of the players’ work has been virtual the past few months, individually staying in shape and learning the playbook.

With the rookies set to begin training, let’s take a look at to New York Giants players who are fighting for a roster spot:

1.) Tae Crowder

“Mr. Irrelevant,” Tae Crowder of the Georgia Bulldogs. Selected with the last pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Crowder was an unsung hero for Georgia and was a last-second addition to the 2015 signing class.

Over three years in college, Crowder racked up 122 tackles and two turnovers. He is a raw linebacker coming out of Georgia. He represents a high upside alternative for the Giants at a weak position. Last season, he logged 62 total tackles and four tackles for loss. He is an experienced player in the SEC and has faced off again some of the best collegiate teams in the country.

Nonetheless, it will be difficult for him to earn a spot on the active roster. The Giants have several players competing at linebacker, including Ryan Connelly, Devante Downs, Mark McLaurin, Chris Peace, Dominique Ross, and Josiah Tauafa.

2.) Chris Williamson

The Giants have a bevy of young corners fighting to make the team. That includes 243rd overall pick, Chris Williamson, out of Minnesota. Williamson is considered a potential nickel corner who can slide into the slot position. With DeAndre Baker dealing with serious legal troubles, he could be thrust into a competition on the outside.

The Minnesota product is a feisty defender who can play zone and press at the line of scrimmage. He has solid size and long arms to complement his frame, but his technique is where things drop off significantly.

If Williamson plans to survive the NFL and make the team, he must get better at tackling. He is simply a product of poor fundamentals, and with new head coach Joe Judge prioritizing details, Williamson should be at an advantage to develop nicely.

Physically, he has great size and length, making him a high upside player. However, if he cannot develop his fundamentals quickly, he could be left behind or placed on the practice squad. The Giants kept all of their fourth-round picks in the draft, looking to add competition at multiple positions.