Giants' roster preview: Is there space for TE Ryan Malleck?

The New York Giants have a crowd at the tight end position, meaning that it would seem unlikely undrafted free agent Ryan Malleck could force his way into the picture. Malleck, though, was impressive enough in the spring to warrant keeping an eye on him. Let's take a closer as we continue of series of player-by-player profiles of the 90-man roster the Giants will bring to training camp.

2015 Season in Review

Malleck caught 21 passes for 289 yards (13.8 yards per catch) and two touchdowns for Virginia Tech. He finished his career with 62 catches, all in his final three seasons.

Here is CBS Sports draft analyst Dane Brugler's summary of Malleck in his 2016 NFL Draft Guide:

A three-year starter, Malleck started 32 games over his career at Virginia Tech, mostly inline as a dual-threat blocking and receiving tight end. He wasn't asked to be a dynamic pass-catcher down the field, but he has functional receiving traits for the next level, showing savvy, ballskills and toughness before and after the catch. Although he is a try-hard competitor, Malleck needs to refine his blocking mechanics to improve his reliability on the line of scrimmage and in space. He isn't an ideal size/strength athlete, but he's not below average either and is able to be effective by paying attention to the details - lacks starting potential in the NFL, but could carve out a role as a No. 3 tight end and special teamer.

2016 Season Outlook

With Will Tye, Larry Donnell, Matt LaCosse, Will Johnson and sixth-round pick Jerell Adams in front of him, Malleck would seem to have a big mountain to climb to make the 53-man roster. Malleck may not be a downfield threat, but he did catch everything thrown at him in the spring. We will have to wait and see what kind of blocker he is in training camp and during the preseason. He could be a player the Giants end up stashing on the practice squad.