Daniel Fells was one of the surprising bright spots for the New York Giants in 2014. Let's look at Fells' 2015 prospects as we continue our player-by-player profiles of the 90-man roster the Giants will bring to training camp.
2014 Season in Review
Fells signed a reserve/futures contract with the tight end-needy Giants in what was really one final effort to squeeze a little more life out of his NFL career. Fells had been out of football in 2013 after spending five seasons with the St. Louis Rams, Denver Broncos and New England Patriots, catching 92 passes along the way.
Fells earned a roster spot with the Giants and had a surprisingly successful season. He emerged as the team's blocking tight end, as well as a solid short-yardage and red zone receiving option, with 16 receptions, including four touchdowns.
2015 Season Outlook
The Giants brought Fells back on a one-year, $950K deal ($80K guaranteed), but it feels very much like Fells, who turns 32 in September, is vulnerable entering training camp.
Larry Donnell is the Giants' starting tight end. Fourth-year man Adrien Robinson began to show some signs of turning into an NFL player toward the end of 2014. With Donnell sidelined during OTAs by Achilles tendinitis it has been Robinson, not Fells, taking first-team reps.
In addition, there is a cadre of young talent snipping at Fells' heels in hopes of snatching his roster spot.
Jerome Cunningham, an undrafted free agent out of Southern Connecticut State, spent part of 2014 on the Giants' practice squad and was added to the 53-man roster for the final two games. He has made waves with some impressive performances during OTAs.
A pair of rookie undrafted free agents have also impressed. Matt LaCosse of Illinois was signed as a priority free agent after the draft, and has looked capable both inline and split into the slot. Will Tye of Stony Brook impressed during rookie mini-camp, earned a spot on the 90-man roster, and continued to catch the ball well during OTAs.
With so much competition around him, Fells might have a difficult time holding onto his roster spot.