Giants UDFA to watch at minicamp.
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The New York Giants have an intriguing UDFA emerging at a shallow position.
New York Giants’ mandatory minicamp is one day away, beginning Tuesday, June 17, and there are always one or two undrafted (or UDFA) rookies who emerge this time of year.
For the Giants in 2025, that process has already begun with wide receiver Beaux Collins shining throughout OTAs, but a first-year player on the defensive side was identified as the NYG “UDFA to watch at minicamp.” And that undrafted rookie is former Michigan safety Makari Paige.
In a document shared with Heavy, Pro Football Network named Paige as the top Giants UDFA to keep a close eye on this week, reasoning: “Makari Paige’s size, versatility, and football IQ make him an intriguing add for the Giants. A four-year contributor at Michigan, Paige played a key role in one of college football’s most disciplined and dynamic defenses. At 6’4″, 208 pounds, he boasts elite length for a safety but moves with the fluidity of a smaller defensive back.”
“Paige’s ability to line up in multiple spots made him a valuable chess piece for the Wolverines,” PFN continued. “His instincts and experience in a complex system make him a smart, reliable option to develop as a rotational safety, while his physicality and awareness give him immediate special teams upside.”
Paige has been very active so far this spring, and he’s positioned himself well as he attempts to steal a 53-man roster spot away from a veteran.
Giants’ Fourth Safety Spot Is Up for Grabs & Makari Paige’s Audition Continues at Minicamp
Paige has already been one of the standout rookies throughout OTAs, and his roster push will only intensify as minicamp — and then training camp — begin.
Considering how good Dane Belton has looked this spring, the Giants have a clear top three at safety heading into the 2025 season. The starters will be second-year draft pick Tyler Nubin and big-money free agent signing Jevon Holland, with Belton as the trusted third safety.
Having said that, the fourth safety role seems totally up for grabs as we enter Giants minicamp.
Paige is without a doubt in the mix, but he’ll compete with veterans Raheem Layne and Anthony Johnson Jr. — two NFL cast-offs that general manager Joe Schoen has picked up from other organizations in recent years.
The latter, Johnson, has been sidelined for the media-open portions of OTAs. So, he could be trailing the other two early on, assuming the Giants staff sees it as an equal competition going in.
Johnson (25) appeared in 9 games for Big Blue in 2024, and was mostly utilized on special teams with 113 snaps there compared to 21 on defense.
Layne, who is 25 years old like Johnson, only logged 2 appearances with the Giants last year. Although the coaching staff seems to see something in him. He was given 22 snaps on defense and 10 on special teams in 2024.