Former Monmouth Hawk Jake Powell was signed by the New York Giants on Tuesday and he could be a positive addition as a blocker.
The New York Giants are taking a chance on a local product. Monmouth alum Jake Powell is coming onto the roster after the tight end was waived by the New Orleans Saints.
Some roster shuffling: WR Amba Etta-Tawo (torn Achilles) lands on injured reserve. TE Jake Searight (hip) was waived injured.
The Giants signed TE Jake Powell. He played at Monmouth and has spent some time with the Saints. #Giants
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 13, 2019
The New Jersey native is a 6-foot-4, 230-pound tight end. He will now have the opportunity to come back home and play for the team in his home state. Powell’s size allows him to be a big body on the field; he is considered more of a blocker than a pass-catcher.
However, this may work to his advantage. While Powell only racked up 641 yards and six touchdowns during his Monmouth career, his blocking has been his key trait. Right now, blocking is a major need for the Giants.
Eli Manning was sacked 47 times ranking sixth-most in the NFL last year. This was the most sacks Manning has ever endured during a season throughout his whole career.
Due to these troubles, the Giants have invested a lot of their offseason efforts on fixing their offensive line. They added two new starters on the front five and the acquisition of Powell for the preseason could be a nice addition.
Powell has a long way to go before he makes the official roster. Though, it does bode well for him that he is known as a tenacious blocker and was picked up by a team who is trying to attain more hog mollies, as general manager Dave Gettleman would say.
