Will Devery Hamilton's Versatility Give Him an Advantage in the O-line Depth Competition?

Devery Hamilton's versatility could give him an edge for a roster spot as a backup offensive lineman.

Author:
Joe Najarian
Publish date:
Jun 4, 2023 2:09 PM EDT

In this story:

New York Giants

Devery Hamilton, Guard/Tackle

Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 311 pounds

2022 Stats: GP 9/GS 0. 39 offensive snaps played.

For all intents and purposes, the 2022 season was Devery Hamilton’s rookie year.

Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Raiders out of Duke in 2021, Hamilton was on the Raiders' practice squad for two weeks before being released. The Giants picked him up off waivers, signing Hamilton to their practice squad after being impressed by the offensive lineman's versatility in being able to play guard and tackle.

Hamilton was invited to training camp in 2022 and was active for nine of the team's first regular-season games, getting offensive snaps in five. The German-born Hamilton was waived on November 14, 2022, and then signed to the Giants practice squad.

He was then quickly added to the 53-man roster again, this time on November 23, 2022, but was waived two days later, again being signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract in January of this year and will again compete for a chance to put his versatility to good use on the Giants' offensive line.

Best Case Scenario

Hamilton's versatility and the fact that he competed well last year is a big reason he made the 53-man roster out of camp. In addition to playing tackle, Hamilton filled in at left guard when injuries kept striking down the guys in front of him at that position.

But if Hamilton wishes to make this roster, his best chance could be as the backup swing tackle. Competing with Korey Cunningham, Matt Peart, and Tyre Phillips, Hamilton is the youngest (25) out of the potential candidates for the role.

Although he has the second-fewest snaps out of those candidates in the 2022 season (only Cunningham had less), he had the most snaps on special teams out of the four, so his special teams play, as well as his ability to play guard, could very well give him an advantage.

Worst Case Scenario

While Hamilton’s reserve/futures contract is low risk for the Giants, there’s not too much upside with him playing on the regular offensive line. His 2022 PFF Grades were mediocre at best, although this could be due to a lack of experience.

Nonetheless, Hamilton’s floor and ceiling are unknown right now as an offensive lineman. But his unimpressive performance on the line during the 2022 season in comparatively few snaps doesn’t bode well for him in the swing tackle competition.

That said, it's a new year, and depending on what he has shown in the OTAs and the classroom, it's probably too soon to count Hamilton out.

What to Expect in 2023

The Giants are loaded with interior offensive linemen, so if Hamilton is going to make the roster, he will have to show his versatility at guard and tackle. Already this spring, he's been doing that, working at left guard with the second team, and tackle with the third team. But remember, there is no contact this time of year, so we won't know how much Hamilton has improved until the pads go on.

At the bare minimum, figure Hamilton will land on the practice squad again, thanks to his versatility.