Following the 2021 NFL draft, the New York Giants signed three undrafted free agents: Brett Heggie, Jake Burton, and Raymond Johnson III. As the Giants begin their OTA offseason workouts, these players could make a push for spots on the practice squad or even the final roster. Here’s a glimpse at each of Big Blue’s undrafted free agents and what they could do to make the final roster in September.
Key New York Giants Undrafted Free Agents in 2021
Center Brett Heggie – Florida
While Nick Gates looks like New York’s surefire starter at center in 2021, Brett Heggie has a good shot at becoming the team’s backup. The Giants brought in veteran Jonotthan Harrison in free agency to provide depth, but Heggie’s versatility could give him an edge over Harrison.
At Florida, Heggie’s quickness off the snap and his success in short-yardage scenarios allowed the Gators to play him at both center and guard. A peek at his film displays how well he used those skills to thrive as a run-blocker. Heggie’s great work ethic and willingness to play through injury caught general manager Dave Gettleman’s eye. The Giants didn’t pick any offensive linemen in the NFL Draft, so he could add to the group if he turns heads at training camp and beyond.
Tackle Jake Burton – UCLA/Baylor
Like Heggie, Jake Burton offers great versatility for the Giants offensive line. Standing at 6’6″, Burton played both tackle and guard in college. He needs to work on his footwork in space to thrive at the next level, but his size and athleticism might be too appealing for New York to pass up on.
With a young offensive line, though, the Giants don’t really need another player who probably needs to a few years to develop. Instead, the team will likely look for another veteran to provide depth behind Andrew Thomas and Nate Solder. Matt Peart and Jackson Barton are in line to fill that role.
Ultimately, Burton doesn’t have a great chance at making the final roster unless someone gets hurt. However, he could beat out veteran Kenny Wiggins for a practice squad spot.
Defensive End Raymond Johnson III – Georgia Southern
New York’s defensive line is filled with talent. Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence are very good at stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback. B.J. Hill and free agent Danny Shelton are also good run-stoppers and provide quality depth. So where does that leave Raymond Johnson III?
Johnson brings a skillset that is similar to his teammates mentioned above. He thrived at Georgia Southern because of his ability to create leverage on linemen and capitalize on it with his power. In 2020, he took advantage of those skills to accumulate 14.5 tackles for loss and make a great impact against the run. A glimpse at Johnson’s film will show that he wreaked most of his havoc from a three-point stance, which signals that he might transition to the interior line in the NFL.
Johnson might fit with the Giants playing a role like that of Williams, who mostly attacks quarterbacks from a three-point stance everywhere on the defensive line. The only issue is that the Giants have a plethora of veterans who can already do that. Dalvin Tomlinson’s departure created a need for more depth, but Big Blue’s decision to sign Shelton and former Minnesota Viking Ifeadi Odenigbo signals that the team’s defensive line should be set. Look for Johnson to try and beat out R.J. McIntosh for a spot on the Giants practice squad this summer.
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