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(East Rutherford, NJ) – Most typically, seventh round draft picks are inconsequential. Perhaps they’ll serve an important role on special teams, or they possess some sort of physical upside.
For Giants rookie DT Jordon Riley – his size and strength are immediately impressive. At 6’5” and 325 pounds, he certainly looks the part as a nose tackle in the NFL. What’s even better for Big Blue fans is the level of play he’s displayed so far this preseason.
Riley bounced around throughout his collegiate career, starting out at UNC, playing a season in community college, and also playing two seasons for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
His senior year saw him end up in Eugene, Oregon as a member of the Ducks. Riley wasn’t considered a high-end prospect ahead of this spring’s draft, as scouts liked his “functional strength” and ability to “push the pocket” – but they also saw an athlete who lacked explosiveness.
Well, someone forgot to tell Riley he’s a 7th rounder who ought to be of no consequence. In fact, scouts really like what they see, and the big DT has made plays during preseason action – including an impressive 4th down stop in the most recent game against the Carolina Panthers.
On Twitter, one user paraphrased arguments he’d recently heard on ESPN. Scouts were asked to comment anonymously about rookie DT’s in the NFC East. This includes Riley, the Eagles’ Jalen Carter, and the Cowboy’s Mazi Smith. Riley was ranked at the head of that pack.
One scout was even more gushing in his praise, predicting the big defender has a “hall of fame” career. That would be beyond Giants fans’ wildest dreams given Riley’s pre-draft profile.
Even if Riley becomes a valuable member of the defense, that’d be a massive win for the Giants front office.
