The New York Giants depth chart holds a massive surprise for training camp. An undrafted rookie kicker has taken the lead over veteran players. Dominic Zvada made every single field goal attempt during mandatory minicamp. He went 13 for 13 while media watched him kick this spring. Per Big Blue View, Zvada now holds a clear lead over Ben Sauls for the job. This is a rare moment where a rookie with no draft status owns the starting spot.
The Giants released veteran Jason Sanders earlier this spring. Ben Sauls had an inconsistent season and struggled to find his rhythm. Zvada showed a different kind of power during the spring drills. He connected on 10 of 12 kicks from beyond 50 yards in college. His long was 56 yards, and he hit 7 of 7 attempts in 2024. Now the question is if he can make 60-yard kicks in real game conditions.
Other undrafted players face a much harder climb to the 53-man roster. Long snapper Ben Mann is the only true snapper on the full roster. The Giants released journeyman Zach Triner before camp started. Mann likely keeps the job unless he gives the team a reason to look elsewhere. But running back Damon Bankston faces stiff competition from locked-in veterans. Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy, and Patrick Ricard have already secured their spots.
The Offensive Line Gamble
The Giants invested significant guaranteed money in undrafted offensive tackle Ryan Schernecke. He signed with $282,500 in guaranteed salary to join the team. That amount equals a full season’s pay on the practice squad. Schernecke worked mostly with the third team during spring practices. He did step in as second-team right tackle when Josh Ezeudu missed time. Yet players like Marcus Mbow and sixth-round pick J.C. Davis appear ahead of him.
Another undrafted player, Jarrod Gray, brings a unique background to the mix. The 6-foot-7, 318-pound athlete is a former Australian rugby player. Gray only started playing football in 2025. He will not make the main 53-man roster this year. A practice squad spot with an International Pathway Program exemption seems likely. The Giants are betting on his raw size and athletic potential.
The defensive line remains a puzzle for head coach John Harbaugh. The team has D.J. Reader and veteran Josh Tupou at nose tackle. Undrafted rookies Ben Barten and Anquin Barnes Jr. face a tall mountain to climb. Barten stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 330 pounds. Barnes is listed at 6-foot-5 and 340 pounds. Both profiles as nose tackles might only compete for one practice squad spot.
Why This Matters
This roster shakeup changes how the Giants build their team for the season. A young kicker who can hit from 60 yards changes the field position game. It allows the offense to play more aggressively on fourth down. The team does not need to worry about a veteran who cannot make kicks. Zvada’s performance forces the coaching staff to rethink their special teams strategy completely.
The investment in undrafted offensive linemen shows a new approach to roster building. The Giants are willing to pay guaranteed money to develop raw talent. Ryan Schernecke’s contract signals a shift toward value over draft pedigree. They are looking for hidden gems who can grow into starters over time. This strategy could save millions while finding players who outperform their draft status.
Training camp will decide if these bold moves pay off. The undrafted players must prove they belong against seasoned veterans. Zvada needs to show he can handle the pressure of a real NFL game. The offensive linemen must show they can protect the quarterback in live action. If the Giants find a few stars in this group, the season could turn around quickly. The depth chart looks different than it did a month ago.
