Every year, it seems like the [New York Giants](https://gmenhq.com/) uncover hidden talent once the draft wraps up. They found undrafted edge rusher Tomon Fox a few years ago, and last year, it was North Dakota State offensive lineman Jake Kubas.
This year, the G-Men brought in a few intriguing additions—players some believe should’ve been drafted. While each one faces an uphill battle, a few names are already starting to stand out. Here’s a look at some undrafted free agents with a realistic shot at making the final 53-man roster.
Three UDFAs that could make the Giants' 53-man roster
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### O'Donnell Fortune - CB, South Carolina
O’Donnell Fortune is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound cornerback out of South Carolina who totaled 47 tackles and three interceptions this past season. [He has solid length and good size for the position](https://gmenhq.com/only-two-first-round-picks-graded-higher-new-york-giants-rookie-no-one-drafted), though he could benefit from adding a few more pounds this offseason. Fortune fits best as a zone corner but has shown the ability to play press as well. He sees the field well and, while not the most athletic prospect, he finds ways to contribute and compete.
Fortune is a strong tackler in space, brings physicality in the run game, and made an early impression by winning MVP honors at the East-West Shrine Bowl. The cornerback room is top-heavy with the likes of Paulson Adebo, Deonte Banks, and Dru Phillips, but things are wide open beyond that.
He’ll be battling for a spot with street free agents like Nic Jones and Dee Williams, as well as fellow UDFA corner TJ Moore, who also impressed during rookie minicamp. Fortune has already been labeled a player to watch this offseason.
### Makari Paige - S, Michigan
Makari Paige is a big-bodied safety out of Michigan, listed at 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds. He’s not a ball-hawking center fielder (just three career interceptions) but he brings a physical presence and isn’t shy about coming downhill to make a hit. Paige totaled over 135 tackles during his time at Michigan, including 45 in his final season. With the current lack of depth at safety, he has a legitimate shot to stick on the practice squad — or even crack the 53-man roster.
Behind starters Tyler Nubin and newly acquired Jevon Holland, the Giants’ safety depth gets murky. Dane Belton is entering his fourth year and remains a special teams standout, while Anthony Johnson Jr. and Raheem Layne round out the group — the former a one-time Packers starter, the latter a core special teamer.
For Makari Paige to earn a roster spot, he’ll at least have to outshine Layne. What Paige does have, though, is size, and that’s not something you can teach. He’s definitely an intriguing name to watch.
### Trace Ford - Edge, Oklahoma
Trace Ford is an athletic edge rusher who spent time at Oklahoma State before transferring to Oklahoma. While his production wasn’t eye-popping, he clearly caught the Giants’ attention. He already had a decent shot at making the team, but the injury to new signing Victor Dimukeje may have opened the door even wider. The fact that the Giants haven’t brought in another edge — rookie or veteran — could be a sign of what they’re thinking.
Even with the addition of Abdul Carter to go along with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns, the edge group remains thin. Outside of Carter, who won’t be a full-time edge, the only real depth comes from former UDFA Tomon Fox and current UDFA Trace Ford. Fox has flashed at times, but there are still plenty of questions.
Big Blue could add talent after camp cuts, but until then, Ford has to make the most of every opportunity. The five-year college vet finished his career with 99 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. There’s real intrigue to see if he can carve out a rotational role — and right now, he’s got a legitimate shot.
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