With the New York Giants' offensive line no longer the consistent, rock-solid group of years past, let's take a look at offensive lineman Jim Cordle. Originally signed by the Giants as a rookie free agent out of Ohio State last April, Cordle finished the season on the practice squad. Last month, he was offered a reserve/future contract.
In his four years as a Buckeye, Cordle was known for his impressive mobility, as well as his competitive nature. After red-shirting, Cordle began his college career as a center. He played in six games as a red-shirt freshman and started as a sophomore, when he played most of the season with a fractured wrist. The next year, Cordle moved to guard. His senior year was also successful, as he garnered an invitation to the East-West Shrine Game.
Cordle was considered to be a fourth or fifth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, but he ultimately went undrafted. At 6-foot-4, 297 pounds, Cordle is somewhat undersized. However, he did also spend some time at tackle, resulting in him having played all five spots along the line at OSU. Playing with a cast on his fractured wrist surely won over most Buckeyes fans, as his toughness has never been questioned.
The Giants won't necessarily shy away from Cordle just because he's somewhat unheralded - nobody had heard of Rich Seubert when he went undrafted - and given the questionable future of the Giants' offensive line, Cordle could stick around. He's currently listed as a center, but proving his versatility will be the key.
Chance of sticking around: Possible