New York Giants UDFAs: Get to know Trace Ford, LB/EDGE, Oklahoma

Did the Giants find a diamond in the rough?

The New York Giants didn’t bring in many undrafted free agents on the defensive side of the ball. But that lack of competition could bode well for Trace Ford of Oklahoma.

Ford flew under the radar almost completely throughout the draft process for a few reasons. He wasn’t particularly productive due to how he was used — as a rotational player who wore a wide variety of hats — and he also lost a significant chunk of his college career to injury.

He suffered a torn ACL in 2020, followed by a second torn ACL in 2021 (one in each knee). Following his injuries, he transferred from Oklahoma State to Oklahoma.

Ford might have been able to generate a buzz at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he didn’t receive an invitation. He did, however, perform well at the Oklahoma pro day and showed off the athleticism that allows him to be so versatile. Ford has an intriguing skill set and could provide depth at off-ball linebacker as well as edge defender.

Did the Giants unearth a diamond in the rough with Ford?

What does he bring?

Ford is an athletic, energetic, and competitive defender. He has prototypical height and weight for a modern edge defender at 6-foot-3, 249 pounds, as well as an explosive athlete with a 10-foot-2 broad jump, 36-inch vertical, and 1.60-second 10-yard split (4.62-second 40-yard dash).

Oklahoma took advantage of his athleticism and used Ford in a wide variety of ways around their front 7. He was used as a stand-up pass rusher, off-ball linebacker and quarterback spy, and even as something like a safety/linebacker hybrid dropping back into coverage.

Kent Lee Platte | RAS.football

It’s actually quite impressive that Ford is as athletic as he is, considering his injury history.

Of course, his drive to come back from that injury also lines up with the competitive toughness he shows on the field. Ford is physical taking on blockers, willing to do the dirty work coming forcing the play back to his teammates in run support, and is very energetic when playing in space.

Ford is physical taking on blockers, however he appears unrefined as a technician. That, combined, with his extremely short arms (30⅞ inches) made him very hit and miss as a pass rusher. Ford is capable of being disruptive when allowed to play downhill, but can also struggle if his initial rush is picked up.

Can he stick?

Ford could be a sleeper to stick with the final roster.

Some elements of his game actually call Abdul Carter to mind, between his versatility as an off-ball player and explosiveness coming downhill. He very well could catch the coaches’ attention with his high-energy play, as well as his versatility.

While it’s understandable that Ford still needs to hone his craft as a pass rusher — after all, a significant chunk of his college career rehabbing from injury. He could benefit tremendously from defensive line coach Andre Patterson, but his arm length could also always be a roadblock.

Ford will likely be a practice squad candidate his first year. However, he could also have a chance to push the likes of Dyontae Johnson, Chris Board, or Tomon Fox due to his versatility.