Giants roster preview: DE Mike Rose an ascending player

When the New York Giants go through the preseason there almost always seems to be a young, unknown defensive end who impresses. We already looked at Romeo Okwara, one undrafted free agent could be that guy. Now, let's look at another UDFA defensive end bidding for a roster. The Giants gave North Carolina State defensive end Mike Rose a $12K guarantee when they signed him. Let's see if we can gain some insight as to whether or not that will pay off as we continue our player-by-player profiles of the 90-man roster the Giants will bring to training camp.

2015 Season in Review

Rose had 10.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles as a senior at NC State. He only had seven sacks the previous two seasons combined.

2016 Season Outlook

We have talked a number of times in recent weeks about the idea that there seems to be an opening for at least one more defensive lineman, whether that be an end or a tackle. Can Rose be the guy? Let's look at a couple of scouting reports.

NFL.com::

Has good size for a base end, but simply doesn't possess enough functional athleticism to become an NFL pass rusher or a plus run stopper. Rose may need to add more weight to his frame and give it a go at an interior spot.

TFY Draft Insider Tony Pauline is more optimistic:

Rose comes off a tremendous senior campaign and was one of the more understated pass rushers in the nation. Making most of his plays on hustle, he offers a nice amount of upside and just needs proper coaching as well as time to physically mature.

Rose did not receive a combine invite. Here are the numbers from his Pro Day:

At 6-2 4/8, 261 pounds, Rose was clocked by NFL scouts at 4.66 in the 40-yard dash with a 7.47 three-cone drill, a 4.40 short shuttle, a 9-8 broad jump, a 33 1/2 inch vertical leap and bench pressed 225 pounds 17 times.

Here is Dane Brugler of CBS Sports in his 2016 NFL Draft Guide:

He doesn't have ideal size, length or athleticism for the NFL, but does enough on film that makes you notice, competing with a relentless motor and using his chase skills to make stops most linemen aren't interested in making. Although he lacks dynamic agility and struggles to convert speed to power, Rose's best trait is his backfield instincts to identify play design, sniff out screens and recognize what the offense plans to do.

It was impossible to get a read on Rose during padless spring practices. One good thing may have happened for him, however. Brad Bars and Ishaq Williams, listed as defensive ends, played a great deal at outside linebacker, perhaps removing some of the defensive end competition.

I would classify him as a player to watch in training camp and a guy could stick on the practice squad if he doesn't make the 53-man roster.