The 2020 season is going to pose many different problems for NFL teams, specifically when it comes to late-round draft picks and undrafted free agents. Without a preseason, the New York Giants will have to make difficult decisions with some of their more high-upside players.
Head coach Joe Judge confirmed that they will lessen the roster to 80 players. With wide receiver, Da’Mari Scott opting out of the 2020 season, and Leonard Williams being placed on the non-football injury list, they decided to cut a bevy of practice squad players. Several undrafted athletes didn’t make the cut, but some still remain on the roster but will have a hard time earning a cemented job due to the circumstances.
Change of plans: Giants decide to go 80-man route. WR/KR Da’Mari Scott is 2nd opt out. Leonard Williams designated non-football injury.
Waived: RB Jon Hilliman, OLB Chris Peace, DB Rashaan Gaulden, Shakial Taylor, QB Case Cookus, FB George Aston, LB Oluwole Betiku, Dana Levine
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 2, 2020
Three UDFAs the New York Giants might have to cut:
1.) Javon Leake
Leake is an exciting young player out of Maryland. Over three seasons, Leake returned 59 kicks for 1,445 yards and three touchdowns. He’s not the most versatile runner, but he brings strength and explosive straight away speed. He can break tackles and fight for extra yards, which makes him a decent kick return specialist.
I don’t believe he will see the New York Giants’ backfield anytime soon, as he sits behind Saquon Barkley, Dion Lewis, and Wayne Gallman. With that being said, it will be extremely difficult for him to make the roster. He could land on the practice squad, but his best shot is showing elite kick return skills during training camp.