Giants UDFA With Best Chance To Make Roster: Casey Rogers

The New York Giants agreed to terms with eight undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft, one of which received an international roster exemption. Former Nebraska and Oregon defensive tackle Casey Rogers is the standout signing. Rogers has an opportunity to compete for a 53-man roster spot.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen aggressively pursued Rogers' signature. The versatile defensive lineman signed a contract that contained $220,000 in guaranteed money according to reports. It represented the second-largest guarantee any Giants UDFA received, with former North Dakota State offensive lineman Jake Kubas ($270,000) leading the way. With the Giants signing two instant starters at guard in free agency, I see a clearer path to the roster for Rogers than Kubas.

New defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is expected to employ a three-man base front defense. Dexter Lawrence will be a nose tackle who receives support from Jordan Phillips and Rakeem Nunez-Roches. Rogers should compete with former late-round draft picks D.J. Davidson and Jordon Riley for a rotational role. Timmy Horne and Ryder Anderson are back-end 90-man roster types.

Jihad Ward, A'Shawn Robinson, and Leonard Williams combined to play 1,536 snaps for the Giants defensive line last season. All three defenders will play elsewhere in 2024. Rogers possesses a near-identical build to Ward, and could similarly move around the defensive formation.

Schoen did not draft a defensive lineman in 2024, making Rogers his lone interior addition from the draft class. The guaranteed money proves he was a priority target. Rogers' physical make-up indicates he could fit into Bowen's defensive line rotation as a one-gapping penetrator who plays multiple positions ranging from the 3-technique to 4i and 5-technique.

Rogers began capturing pre-draft attention by dominating practice sessions at this year's Hula Bowl. He was a productive player at Oregon over the past two campaigns, totaling 56 tackles, six for a loss, two passes defensed, and 1.5 sacks. Rogers previously played at Nebraska from 2018-2022. He recorded 42 tackles, six tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and 1.5 sacks for their program.

Oregon mostly employed Rogers as a pass-rushing 3-tech. He possesses good natural athleticism and quickness that allows him to generate backfield pressure. Rogers utilizes short-area agility and a red-hot motor to create headaches for opposing linemen.

Rogers did not receive an invite to participate at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, but the Syracuse, New York native displayed terrific athleticism at Oregon's pro day. The former Duck and Cornhusker had a 35-inch vertical and a 9-foot-8 broad jump. That vertical would have finished first among all participating defensive linemen at the combine, and his broad jump would’ve placed second. Rogers also ran a 4.82 40, putting a bow on a performance that led to an outstanding Relative Athletic Score of 9.82.

The Giants made changes to their defense this offseason by appointing Bowen. Schoen went searching for young defensive linemen that fit the scheme. The guaranteed money awarded to Rogers, paired with his pro-day performance and historical production, indicates he's capable of carving out a role for himself this summer.