New York Giants 5 Hidden Gems Among UDFAs
By Nafisa H
5. Cole Farrand, LB, University of Maryland
The New York Giants are hoping to return to being the hard-hitting, once-feared defense that terrorized opponents. To do that, they need to provide defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo with as many pieces to work with as he builds a multi-faceted defense.
One position that the Giants lack depth is inside linebacker. Last year, the team’s run defense ranked 30th in the league, according to ESPN.com. Nearly dead last is unacceptable for any defense, but especially Spag’s defense.
In order to improve against the run, the team’s middle linebacker needs to be healthy and powerful. The Giants are hoping that Jon Beason is healthy this season, after fracturing his sesamoid bone and tearing a ligament last year. However, should an injury strike Beason or Jameel McClain (who stepped in for Beason last year), Maryland’s linebacker Cole Farrand would provide some insurance and add depth to the position.
At 6-3, 245 pounds, Farrand is a tough, tackling machine. In his senior year at the University of Maryland, he played through injury and led the team with 118 tackles. Farrand also has the great ability to locate the ball and stifle the run. In September, his 19 tackles helped Maryland limit Indiana’s star running back to 79 yards on 21 carries.
Farrand is very raw and has limited athleticism but he has the intangibles to succeed in the NFL with his work ethic and love of the game. Cracking the roster this year may be a stretch since he needs time to develop but if injuries strike the Giants defense, Farrand could get his opportunity to contribute sooner rather than later.
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