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Here’s a detailed look at the official minicamp invites the New York Giants have dished out to undrafted rookies. 

The New York Giants possessed 10 selections in this year’s NFL Draft. After selecting individuals such as Duke quarterback Daniel Jones, Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and Notre Dame cornerback Julian Love, there were many undrafted free agents and the Giants made sure to get in on the action.

However, there were still some players Big Blue had their eyes on but neither drafted nor signed to an undrafted deal. These seven players have been given invites to Big Blue’s rookie minicamp, which is being held this Saturday, May 4, at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.

These rookies will all have a chance to prove their skills in hopes to sign an undrafted free agent contract before the start of training camp this summer. Each of these individuals has their own unique talents, which are reasons why the Giants have given them all a chance to prove their worth.

That being said, let’s look at the 2019 rookie minicamp invites for the Giants.

1. Duquesne University WR Nehari Crawford

Wide receiver Nehari Crawford played his college ball at Duquesne University, a school part of the NCAA Football Subdivision (FCS). Standing at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, Crawford is originally from Fort Pierce, FL.

This past season for Duquesne, Crawford caught 71 balls for 1,048 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games. He also returned 10 kickoffs for 214 yards.

Film Notes

Looking at Crawford’s highlight tape, you can tell right away he’s an elusive and quick receiver right as the ball gets to his hands. When he hits the open field he has great vision and makes great cuts to peel through the secondary.

No, he’s not Odell Beckham Jr.; that would be an insane comparison for anyone to make. However, he has Beckham-like traits. With his footwork and ball skills, Crawford could very well end up being one of these invites that makes the roster. The more weapons for Eli Manning and eventually Jones, the better.

2. Lehigh University RB Dominick Bragalone

Lehigh’s Dominick Bragalone stands at 5-foot-11, 230 pounds from South Williamsport, PA. He was a dominant ball-carrier during his time at Lehigh, averaging 3.5 yards per carry with 757 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns through 10 games this past season.

In 44-career games for Lehigh, Bragalone rushed for 4,324 yards and 46 touchdowns. Bragalone also caught 41 balls for 594 yards and six touchdowns through the air during his time as a Mountain Hawk.

Film Notes

When you watch the film on Bragalone, you can notice right away just how hard of a runner he can be. It hardly ever takes just one guy to bring him down. He’s a strong kid with great footwork when it comes to taking on defenders.

However, his size and strength don’t take away from his speed and elusiveness. Bragalone makes great cuts in the open field and bursts through the hole when he finds it. He’s a quick back and shows it when he hits the open field. He’s not Saquon Barkley right now, but you never know. Bragalone could very well become a third or fourth running back on this roster when it comes down to it.

3. University of Delaware CB Tenny Adewusi

Tenny Adewusi was one of the star defensive backs for the Delaware Blue Hens this past season. He lined up along safety Nasir Adderley, who was just drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Adewusi stands at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds out of Avenel, NJ. During 12 contests for the Blue Hens in 2018, Adewusi racked up 38 total tackles, one forced fumble, and seven pass breakups. He proved during his time in college that he was an above-average cover corner, and now has the chance to prove that at the next level.

Film Notes

Adewusi is an extremely aggressive defensive back and shows his toughness at all ends of the field. He showcases great timing when it comes to getting his hand in there on pass breakups, and isn’t afraid to come up and hit when it comes to defending the run.

He’s a shutdown guy through and through, but it may be tougher to make the team at this position now than it was a few days ago. The Giants drafted Georgia’s DeAndre Baker, Love out of Notre Dame and Washburn University’s Corey Ballentine. With them, along with Sam Beal and Janoris Jenkins, the Giants have great depth at this position. Hopefully, Adewusi can eventually be a part of that.

4. Rutgers University P Ryan Anderson

Rutgers’ Ryan Anderson proved to be one of the more dominant punters in the Big Ten during his time in college. Standing at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds and hailing out of DeWitt, Michigan, Anderson punted the ball 79 times this past year for 3,508 yards. That calculates out to an average of 44.4 yards per punt.

Anderson’s efforts earned him First-team All-Big Ten, along with the Eddleman-Fields Punter of the Year award in 2017.

5. Stony Brook RB Jordan Gowins

Another FCS talent, Stony Brook running back Jordan Gowins transferred from Boston College after his freshman season in 2015. Becoming the Seawolves’ No. 1 guy at that position, Gowins rushed for 995 yards and eight touchdowns through 11 games this past year. He averaged 5.8 yards for carry.

Gowins is 5-foot-11, 230 pounds and is originally from Bellport, NY.

Film Notes

When looking at Gowins’s highlights from this past season, you can totally see shades of Saquon Barkley. Of course, he’s not Barkley right now. However, the way he runs the football seems to be a problem for defenses. He’s a hard runner, bursting through the hole when it opens.

Overall, Gowins is tough to bring down for the most part. That doesn’t take away from his speed though, as he’s a very quick back when he hits the open field. His elusiveness and aggressive running should help him in tryouts. However, he’s one of three running backs given invites to rookie minicamp, so coaches and staff will figure it out when the day comes.

6. University of Central Florida RB Taj McGowan

One of the only invites given by the Giants to an FBS athlete, Taj McGowan proved to be a very effective running back during his time at UCF. An AAC Conference standout, McGowan ran for 470 yards and eight touchdowns through 13 games in 2018. He averaged 6.6 yards per carry as well.

McGowan is originally from Hollywood, FL, and stands at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds.

Film Notes

Right off the bat, you can tell that McGowan can do it all when it comes to playing the position. He’s extremely tough to bring down as a ball-carrier, but when he bounces it outside he’s very fast and elusive. It takes more than one guy to bring McGowan down to the most part, as the athletic specimen doesn’t stop fighting until his knee touches the ground.

All-in-all, McGowan is a big reason why UCF’s football program has been so successful in recent years.

7. Wilfrid Laurier University DL Robbie Smith

Yes, the Giants have invited a Canada college football standout to minicamp. And for good reason as well. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Robbie Smith racked up 19 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble this past year. He’s originally from Brampton, Ontario.

Film Notes

Smith proves to be an athletic pass-rusher who has a dominant playstyle. He’s very quick and strong off the snap of the ball and we’ll get to the quarterback at a fast pace. Look for him to compete with these other rookie defensive linemen at minicamp.

Ryan Honey is a staff writer and host of the Wide Right Podcast.