Giants claim defensive tackle Jimmy Staten of waivers, release Carlif Taylor

The preseason roster shuffling continues today as the New York Giants waived defensive tackle Carlif Taylor and claimed defensive tackle Jimmy Staten off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks.

Staten was drafted by the Seahawks out of Middle Tennessee St. in the fifth round of the 2014 draft, but spent the entirety of that season on the Seattle practice squad.

Staten is a long, athletic, and strong defensive tackle, measuring 6-foot-4, 303 pounds. He also has the long arms (33.5 inches) and massive hands (10.125 inch) that the Giants like in their linemen.

NFL.com scouting report:

STRENGTHS

Looks the part with outstanding length. Functional anchor strength to defend the run and beat one-on-one blocks. Bench-pressed 225 pounds 30 times at his pro day and has powerlifting, weight-room strength. Solid tackler. Productive three-year starter. Good football character and work ethic. Plays hard and competes. Respected leader. Has a frame to grow into.

WEAKNESSES

Average eyes and instincts. Does not feel blocking pressure. See-and-go reactor. Can be displaced by the double team and needs to play with more consistent pad level. Could stand to improve pass-rush technique and hand use. Very raw. Limited sack production (two career sacks).

CBS Sports scouting report:

Staten posted 100 tackles in 49 career games at defensive tackle, including 35 starts. He posted 30 tackles as a senior despite battling a knee injury most of the season.

At 6-feet-4 1/2 and 310 pounds, he provides some scheme versatility as he could remain inside in a 4-3 or potentially slide outside as a run-stuffing end in a 3-4. To remain at nose tackle in a 3-4, Staten would need to add significant bulk to be able to occupy multiple blockers.

Jimmy Staten vs. BYU

Staten played well in the Seahawks' preseason opener, deflecting a pass and notching a tackle for a loss, as well as generally being very active. The belief is that he was waived because Seattle needed to sign healthy defensive backs after eight missed their latest practice.

Staten will likely slot in at 3-technique for the Giants, and perhaps his raw ability could push some tackles that are ahead of him on the depth chart.

This isn't a move that will garner many headlines as the Giants are swapping one unknown defensive tackle for a relatively unknown tackle. However, Staten's raw upside could lead to some surprises.