NFL Draft 2020: Best UDFA signing for each NFC East team
By Evan Orris
New York Giants: Javon Leake, Running Back, Maryland
The Giants already have the running back position solidified. Star Saquon Barkley will of course be the starter, but they also added Dion Lewis this offseason. Not to mention that Wayne Gallman will also be returning. So, you may be asking how Javon Leake could be the Giants’ best UDFA this season. Well, Leake might not see a lot of offensive snaps, but he could be a huge asset for the Giants on special teams.
Leake specialized in kick and punt returns in his time at Maryland. In his career, he had a total of 1,445 return yards and three touchdowns. Two of those came from this year alone. He was also voted as the Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year. New head coach Joe Judge was a special teams coordinator last season, so he will want an explosive returner like Leake.
Leake’s ability is not just limited to special teams, however. The former Terrapin had 736 yards on 102 carries for an average of 7.2 yards per carry. He’s a home run hitter and can be a problem in the open field. He might be behind Lewis and Gallman to start the season, but Leake could eventually be a nice compliment to Saquon Barkley in the future.