The first round of NFL preseason cuts have come and gone, and NFL rosters have reduced their total from 90 to 85, meaning 160 players are now looking for work.
With the New York Giants constantly looking to upgrade talent on the roster, here’s a look at three players who were among the first wave of roster cuts that could be worth kicking the tires on.
July 28, 2022; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Andrew Parchment (15) makes a catch during the third day of training camp at Wofford College.
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WR Andrew Parchment
While far from a household name during the NFL Draft, receiver Andrew Parchment consistently showed the ability to be productive on the outside in college. At Kansas in 2019 and Florida State in 2021, Parchment was a bright spot in two offenses that struggled mightily for passing offense.
Parchment dominated the Big XII in 2019, making the most of a bad situation with Carter Stanley at quarterback by posting 831 yards and seven touchdowns on 65 receptions. Production for Pergamen came mostly on intermediate and deep routes, which accounted for 38% of his catches but 67.5% of his total yards and five of his seven touchdowns.
In 2021 against elevated competition in the ACC, Parchment again saw the bulk of his production come from intermediate and deep routes, despite significantly less volume in Florida State’s offense.
At 6-foot-2 and 191 pounds, Pergamena has great size for a receiver. Playing in the Big XII and ACC, Parchment has faced and beaten his fair share of press coverage and proven his ability to stack defensive backs and win contested snap opportunities.
June 3, 2022; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jamal Pettigrew (81) catches the ball during organized team activities at California Lutheran University.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Jamal Pettigrew
The Giants took a shot at free agent Jeremiah Hall in their offense, but ultimately decided to make him part of their first wave of cuts. However, there is still plenty of time for the Giants to find their H-back/fullback/depth tight end, and maybe Jamal Pettigrew is that player.
Pettigrew began his college career at LSU before transferring to McNeese State for his final two years, where he would spend most of his time blocking. Lining up at tailback, line or slot receiver, Pettigrew’s ability to consistently make an impact as a blocker should not be overlooked.
Pettigrew is a phenomenal athlete, recording a 4.67 40-yard dash time and 36 ½” vertical at just under 6-foot-7 and 244 pounds, he is a unicorn. He might be too easy to line up consistently, though an H-back role might be the perfect role for Pettigrew.
Pettigrew (like all McNeese State Cowboys) was used sparingly as a receiver. Still, he was able to make contested catches and gain yards after the catch, making him an intriguing option in the red zone or in the flats.
July 29, 2021; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Kamal Martin (54) takes part in training camp Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis.
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LB Kamal Martin
Kamal Martin has had an up and down NFL career thus far. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Packers and then released before the start of the 2021 season, before seeing very little time with the Panthers.
The best tape to gauge Martin on is his 2020 tape with the Packers, where he would switch between starting and being a rotation player.
With his speed and great burst in the straight line, Martin is best used as a strong linebacker and special teamer. Read and react ability needs work, but special teams potential alone should be able to put Martin in contention for a roster spot.
Martin, who runs down the field like a banshee, has no problem getting his shoulder through ball carriers. While his ceiling is an average NFL SAM lineman, at this point in the roster-making cycle, NFL teams are searching the waiver wire for depth additions who can contribute in any way.