New York Giants UDFAs: Dalen Cambre, WR/ST, Louisiana

Does Cambre’s college usage give him an inside track?

The New York Giants brought in six wide receivers as undrafted free agents. With some, the potential upside on offense is easy to see and they’re worth trying to develop at the end of the roster or on the practice squad.

Then there’s Louisiana receiver Dalen Cambre.

Cambre has all of 123 yards receiving and averaged 2.0 yards per game over the course of his college career. He has an intriguing athletic profile, but almost no production to speak of on offense. So why would the Giants sign him to a contract?

The answer is on the third side of the ball: Special teams.

What does he bring?

Cambre is a bit undersized for an NFL receiver at 5-foot-11, 189 pounds, but an impressive athlete for the position. He has good long speed with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, as well as very good quickness and agility.

Kent Lee Platte | RAS.football

But while Cambre is listed as a wide receiver, he only caught 10 passes in 63 career games for the Ragin’ Cajuns. In reality, he’s a special teams ace.

Cambre was Louisiana’s holder for field goals (and point after attempts) and also served on both sides of punt and kick returns. His speed allows him to get downfield in a hurry, while his agility allows him to quickly adjust to make blocks or tackles. Cambre had an impact on the Louisiana special teams, with a blocked punt as well as a fumble return for a touchdown.

Can he stick?

One of the consistent themes when talking about undrafted free agents is that if they’re going to stick on the roster, they’ll have to do so through special teams play. And on that note, Cambre has a definite advantage — special teams is what he does.

The Giants made a definite effort to churn the back end of their roster, and adding players with special teams upside seems to be a point of emphasis. From that perspective, Cambre has a decent shot at making the final roster. At the very least, he seems likely to wind up on the practice squad if his special teams acumen shines in practice and the preseason.

It will be interesting to see if he’s able to flash on offense if he gets the chance.