New York Giants’ mandatory minicamp is one day away, beginning Tuesday, June 17, and there are always one or two undrafted (or UDFA) rookies who emerge this time of year.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72591482/1453518907.0.jpg)
For the Giants in 2025, that process has already begun with wide receiver Beaux Collins shining throughout OTAs, but a first-year player on the defensive side was identified as the NYG “UDFA to watch at minicamp.” And that undrafted rookie is former Michigan safety Makari Paige.
In a document shared with Heavy, Pro Football Network named Paige as the top Giants UDFA to keep a close eye on this week, reasoning: “Makari Paige’s size, versatility, and football IQ make him an intriguing add for the Giants. A four-year contributor at Michigan, Paige played a key role in one of college football’s most disciplined and dynamic defenses. At 6’4″, 208 pounds, he boasts elite length for a safety but moves with the fluidity of a smaller defensive back.”
“Paige’s ability to line up in multiple spots made him a valuable chess piece for the Wolverines,” PFN continued. “His instincts and experience in a complex system make him a smart, reliable option to develop as a rotational safety, while his physicality and awareness give him immediate special teams upside.”
Paige has been very active so far this spring with at least one interception and multiple plays on the football, and he’s positioned himself well as he attempts to steal a 53-man roster spot away from a veteran.
Paige has already been one of the standout rookies throughout OTAs, and his roster push will only intensify as minicamp — and then training camp — begin.
Considering how good Dane Belton has looked this spring, the Giants have a clear top three at safety heading into the 2025 season. The starters will be second-year draft pick Tyler Nubin and big-money free agent signing Jevon Holland, with Belton as the trusted third safety.
Having said that, the fourth safety role seems totally up for grabs as we enter Giants minicamp.
Paige is without a doubt in the mix, but he’ll compete with veterans Raheem Layne and Anthony Johnson Jr. — two NFL cast-offs that general manager Joe Schoen has picked up from other organizations in recent years.
The latter, Johnson, has been sidelined for the media-open portions of OTAs. So, he could be trailing the other two early on, assuming the Giants staff sees it as an equal competition going in.
Johnson (25) appeared in 9 games for Big Blue in 2024, and was mostly utilized on special teams with 113 snaps there compared to 21 on defense.
Layne, who is 25 years old like Johnson, only logged 2 appearances with the Giants last year. Although the coaching staff seems to see something in him. He was given 22 snaps on defense and 10 on special teams in 2024.
Paige could beat out Layne and Johnson for a fourth safety role, but his financial guarantees signal that he should at the very least make the practice squad.
The Athletic’s Dan Duggan listed the financial guarantees of every Giants UDFA on May 21, and Paige ranked tied for fourth behind Collins, wide receiver Da’Quan Felton and wide receiver Juice Wells, at $165,000 in guarantees.
Here’s the full list of guarantees for the Giants’ undrafted free agents, per source:
• WR Beaux Collins: $270K
• WR Da’Quan Felton: $264K
• WR Juice Wells: $259K
• OL Jaison Williams: $165K
• CB O’Donnell Fortune: $165K
• S Makari Paige: $165K
• TE Jermaine Terry: $65K
Undrafted offensive lineman Jaison Williams and cornerback O’Donnell Fortune were both given the same amount as Paige.
“There’s an obvious divide, which gives an indication of the pecking order among the UDFAs,” Duggan said at the time. “But even a big guarantee is relatively minor, so the [money] won’t be a factor in determining active roster spots. What big guarantees do indicate is who is earmarked for the practice squad (at least).”
Paige is among the undrafted rookies who appear poised to make the practice squad if he falls short of the 53-man roster. Especially when you consider that he’s had a promising start to his Giants career at OTAs.
-1750090098-q80.webp "Giants Undrafted Standout Called ‘UDFA to Watch at Minicamp’")
New York Giants’ mandatory minicamp is one day away, beginning Tuesday, June 17, and there are always one or two undrafted (or UDFA) rookies who emerge this time of year. For the Giants in 2025, that process has already begun with wide receiver ...
-1750089742-q80.webp "PFF Names Falcons Kyle Pitts Among 10 Players with Most to Prove")
The Atlanta Falcons tight end enters the season under the micoscope as looks to show he wasn't a one-season wonder Pro Football Focus (PFF) released a list of 10 NFL players with the most to prove in 2025, and Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts ...
The Buffalo Bills are heading into a new season with a lot of wind on their backs, because they have MVP-winning quarterback in Josh Allen heading up their lineup. The Bills have other solid players, too, so they’ve put together the pieces that they hope will ...
-1750089144-q80.webp "Lakers Could Bring Back Former Draft Pick to Bolster Roster")
Could an old friend be on his way back to Los Angeles to help head coach JJ Redick, Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and the rest of the Lakers? In an Instagram post made by Lakers enthusiast mr.81mr.81, the account made a ...
After a disappointing 2024 season, the Miami Dolphins enter the 2025 season with high expectations and plenty of uncertainty. In his recent offseason breakdown, Miami Herald Columnist Omar Kelly spotlighted several players in his “2025 Superlatives”. Kelly’s 2025 Superlatives underscores not only the Dolphins’ potential, ...
“He Looked Promising”: PFF Has Minnesota Vikings Quarterback J.J. McCarthy As Reason For Optimism In 2025 Despite Conflicting Reports
Are the Vikings Taking a Big Risk with J.J. McCarthy?
Browns Trade Call on 49ers Star Rumors Swirling
Lakers Drop Concerning Luka Doncic Update Amid LeBron James' Injury
