With all the fervor over Plaxico Burress and everything else going on around the New York Giants, I think I would be remiss if I failed to give you guys as much information as I can dig up on the undrafted free agents the team has signed.
First, here is the full list, from NEPatriotsDraft.com:
Jarriel King (OT, South Carolina)
Henry Hynoski (FB, Pitt)
Martin Parker (DL, Richmond)
Spencer Paysinger (LB, Oregon)
David Sims (S, Iowa State)
Mark Herzlich (LB, Boston College)
Harry Flaherty (TE/LS, Princeton)
Justin Trattou (DE, Florida)
Craig Marshall (DE, South Florida)
We know about Herzlich and Hynoski, who we have already talked about a great deal. I thought I would do individual profiles on each of the other guys, though, to give you some idea who these guys are and why the Giants are bring them to training camp.
We will start with Marvin Parker, a 6-foot-2, 303-pound defensive tackle from Richmond, an FCS School.
In a pre-2011 NFL Draft scouting report, Draft Ace said Parker was "well worth a mid-round pick, and could be one of the biggest surprises in this year’s draft class." Draft Ace also said Parker had "Decent size and strength. An above-average athlete for an interior lineman."
Wes Bunting of the National Football Post had Parker rated as the 16th-best defensive tackle in the 2011 draft class. "He's still pretty raw as a prospect, but has some natural athleticism and overall upside to his game. Looks like an intriguing later round guy," wrote Bunting.
From NFL Draft Scout, Parker led all CAA Football defensive linemen in tackles (8.7 per game) and was second overall in the league in total sacks (5.5) and total TFL (13.5) in 2010. Parker was ranked 39th on Draft Countdown's list of the top 50 undrafted free agents.
Obviously, we know the Giants will be moving on without veteran defensive tackles Barry Cofield and Rocky Bernard. You have to believe the organization will look to bring in an experienced defensive tackle to add to a rotation that includes unproven Linval Joseph and Marvin Austin.
Even if the Giants do that, however, you have to think Parker might have a chance to stick around -- at least on the practice squad -- if he shows anything during training camp or the preseason.