New York Giants Sign Dwayne Hendricks to Reserve/Future Contract

With defensive tackle Barry Cofield and a few other members of the New York Giants' defensive line now free agents, let's take a look at DT Dwayne Hendricks. Listed at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, Hendricks went undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft. The Giants signed him as a free agent, and, after bouncing on and off the roster last season, Hendricks was signed to a reserve/future contract in January.

The Millville, N.J. native played college football at Miami (Fla.), where he appeared in 27 games, starting three. Hendricks recorded 57 tackles (nine for loss) and seven tackles as a Hurricane. While at Miami, his roommate and teammate, defensive end Bryan Pata, was shot and killed outside their apartment in November 2006. Hendricks has spoken about Pata and his relationship with his roommate's family, crediting them for much of his success.

The consensus among scouting reports on Hendricks, though, is that he plays with a high motor and tenacious attitude, but not all the time. Out of Millville High School, Hendricks was the No. 11 defensive tackle in the nation, according to Rivals.com. Clearly, Hendricks did not live up to the hype preceding him at Miami.

Hendricks has some experience with the Giants, so he could have an advantage over some of the other players signed to reserve/future contracts. Yet, many think Cofield will be re-signed, and the Giants still have Rocky Bernard, Chris Canty and Linval Joseph. That group is largely unspectacular, but Hendricks still has a difficult path to a roster spot.



(bigblueview.com)