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New York Giants: 5 undrafted players to watch in rookie minicamp

By Kenneth Teape

Jun 15, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo calls plays during mini camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo calls plays during mini camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants: 5 undrafted players to watch in rookie minicamp
Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; USC USC Trojans offensive tackle Chad Wheeler (72) in action during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium. Alabama defeats USC 52-6. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Tackle Chad Wheeler, USC

Arguably the biggest need the Giants had heading into the 2017 NFL Draft was along the offensive line. They didn’t select an offensive lineman until the sixth round when they traded up for Pittsburgh’s Adam Bisnowaty. The Giants wasted no time addressing the need when signing undrafted free agents.

One of those offensive linemen the Giants signed was USC’s left tackle Chad Wheeler. Wheeler had some injury concerns with the Trojans, missing at least two games his final three years in school. He ended up starting 43 games still, so he brings plenty of experience along with him.

Wheeler has had success as a pass blocker, which the Giants struggled to do at tackle last season. He allowed only one sack and five hits in 2016, keeping Sam Darnold clean. He does need to work on his technique. It would help him overcome some physical deficiencies, such as his shorter arms.

Wheeler also lacks athleticism, with a slow 40-yard dash and shuttle time. He has some effectiveness in zone blocking schemes, which the Giants use plenty of. There are some tools here to work with.

Wheeler had some off-field problems, which is a big reason why he went undrafted. But, he has a lot of potential for an undrafted free agent. The Giants see that potential, as he received a $20,000 signing bonus with $10,000 base salary guaranteed; the signing bonus was the biggest the Giants handed out this offseason.

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