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

Safety Jadar Johnson; Clemson

The defensive secondary has become a strong spot for the Giants. They have legitimate superstars in cornerback Janoris Jenkins and safety Landon Collins. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is an above average corner, and there are high hopes for Eli Apple. Andrew Adams played well at safety as a rookie, and the Giants really liked Darian Thompson.

Adams found success as an undrafted player last season, and the Giants could have another success story at safety on their hands with Jadar Johnson. It was surprising that Johnson went undrafted, but the Giants could really benefit from that.

Johnson played four years at Clemson, playing behind T.J. Green and Jayron Kearse earlier in his career. As a senior, he got his chance and made the most of it. In his lone season as a starter, Johnson had 63 tackles, seven pass breakups, and five interceptions.

Johnson’s ball skills are outstanding. He had 11 pass breakups and nine interceptions in his career, very strong numbers for someone who didn’t start until his final season. He does everything well as a defender with the ball in the air, which is probably what made him so intriguing to the Giants.

If Johnson wants to make the Giants, he will need to improve in defending the run. His ball-hawking skills would theoretically play well alongside Collins if given the chance, but the Giants aren’t just going to hand him a job. He will have to earn it, which he is willing to do.

Next: New York Giants: Ranking The 2017 Draft Class Pick By Pick

He was a respected player at Clemson and took coaching well. He is on par with the five-year average combine results for defensive back specific drills, even grading out above average in some. The Giants could have found an undrafted gem in Johnson, who has a lot to like already and room to grow even more.