Does TE Ryan Jones Have an Outside Chance of Snagging Giants' Roster Spot?

What does tight end hopeful Ryan Jones need to do to stay in Giants' blue?

Author:
Gene Clemons
Publish date:
Jun 11, 2023 11:00 AM EDT

In this story:

Ryan Jones, Tight End

Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 247 pounds
2022 Stats*: GP 12, 41 rec 413 yards 4 TDs

*College stats at East Carolina

Tight end Ryan Jones spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career as a linebacker at Oklahoma. After failing to make an impact for the Sooners, he transferred to East Carolina and reinvented himself as a tight end.

Over the next two seasons, he received on-the-job training at the position. In 2021 he played in nine games and hauled in 37 passes for 442 yards and five touchdowns. He followed that up in 2022 with similar numbers over 12 games.

He decided to forgo his final season of eligibility and pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. Unfortunately, he did not hear his name called over the three-day event, but he quickly received a call from the Giants, who signed him as an undrafted free agent.

Jones is a versatile tight end, surprising given his limited experience at the position. He lined up all over the field in college for the Pirates. In addition to the traditional inline sets, he was flexed out wide, in the slot, and the backfield. That is what makes Jones such an intriguing NFL prospect at the position.

Tight ends are the most dynamic offensive chess pieces in the game. Jones uses his athleticism to win against defenders in the passing game while he is still trying to elevate his effectiveness as a blocker which is normally the case for guys transitioning to tight end from other positions.

Best Case Scenario

The Giants' actions through trades and free agency say they expect tight ends to be a big part of the offense. Seeing them use multiple tight-end sets a lot this year and beyond will not be surprising.

This is a good sign for Jones because that philosophy means the team needs more capable tight ends. Yes, the Giants already have a few capable tight ends--Darren Waller and Daniel Bellinger are likely locks if healthy--but they also have guys who have not proven to be the most durable in the NFL.

If Jones can be a serviceable blocker and continue to improve as a pass catcher, he may not make the initial roster. Still, he will be a valuable stash on the practice squad and be one injury away from being activated.

Worst Case Scenario

The tight end room is already full of guys that can be difference-makers as pass receivers, and there is only one true blocking tight end in the group. That makes the task difficult for Jones to garner enough snaps to build a case for himself.

Between Waller being the primary pass-receiving tight end, Tommy Sweeney being the primary run-blocking tight end, and Bellinger, who looks poised for a breakout season as a complete tight end, there may not be much room for additional guys at the position--and that's before you mention Lawrence Cager who was able to show what he could do late in the season last year.

There are just too many people to go over to make this roster, and if the team does not value stashing a tight end on the practice squad, Jones could find himself on the outside looking in.

What to Expect in 2023

Versatility is the name of the game for Jones. How much can he do, and at what level can he do it? Special teams will present his most immediate opportunity to impress and show his value to the coaching staff and front office, and here, it might not hurt to remember his linebacker days.

Unfortunately, many guys will be looking to cement their position based on special teams, so that will be a large group to stand out in. You can never count on injuries; if everyone stays healthy, tight ends will be difficult to break through.

But Jones does have upsides in athleticism and a physical-looking frame. He has a good chance of finding himself on the practice squad if he has a strong summer.