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After kicking off our look at the New York Giants' reserve/future contracts Tuesday with a quarterback, let's now turn to the defensive side of the ball for cornerback Joe Burnett.
The 5-foot-10, 192-pound. Burnett actually boasts NFL experience, having been drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the last pick in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
After a preseason in which he contributed 15 tackles, four passes defended, one interception and one blocked field goal, Burnett earned playing time in 15 regular-season games. He recorded 13 special teams tackles, three defensive tackles and also returned three kicks for 23 yards.The Steelers ultimately waived Burnett Sept. 4, 2010 in order to trim the roster to 53. Since then, he's tried out for six different NFL teams. However, due to the amount of playing time he received as a rookie, he was unable to be signed to a practice squad, limiting his chances at earning a roster spot.
At the 2009 NFL Combine, Burnett recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.58 seconds, 22 bench press reps and a vertical jump of 35.5 inches. In college, he was a perennial All-Conference USA defensive back and kick returner at Central Florida - including a four-year sweep of the first-team punt returner award.
Burnett can play both cornerback and nickel back, as well as both returner spots. Given the Giants had the league's 31st-ranked return unit last year, Burnett looks like he might stick in New York. If you need any further justification, check out the YouTube clips below.
Chance of sticking around: Possible