The New York Giants have plenty of work to do in the upcoming free agency and NFL draft.
With plenty of needs on both sides of the ball, the Giants will certainly have all options on the table in the draft.
According to Justin Melo, the Giants met with Northwestern FB/TE John Raine.
#Northwestern TE/FB John Raine is an interesting player. Can flex out wide as a TE and was also used as a lead blocker (FB) in the backfield. I can see him making an NFL roster.
Raine was at the Hula Bowl and met with the #Saints, #Packers, #Bears, #Dolphins & #Giants.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 13, 2021
Raine spent his early years with Florida Atlantic.
In his 4 years there, he had 56 receptions, 530 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Early on, Raine was known more for his blocking skills than his pass-catching ability.
But, Florida Atlantic started utilizing this ability more in 2019.
In 2020, Raine was looking for a bigger stage and Northwestern needed tight end depth.
Raine then transferred to Northwestern.
Grateful for the opportunity to play my last year of college football and earn my masters degree at Northwestern University! pic.twitter.com/VM8fjT8Ook
— John Raine (@jraine305) May 1, 2020
Raine made an immediate impact for Northwestern.
He finished 2020 with 25 receptions, 233 yards and 2 touchdowns.
H-B2: John Raine, Northwestern
A grad transfer from Florida Atlantic, Raine is an excellent receiver underneath. Can be used as a vertical threat but I think his role there is limited.
Doesn’t have the size (6’1” 225) to be a steady blocker. Doesn’t catch well through contact. pic.twitter.com/9fMsiJD7Qb
— ????John Vogel™️ (@johndavogel) February 24, 2021
Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald admitted they tried to keep Raine a secret early on.
NEXT: Top 3 DTs Worth Pursuing In 2021 NFL Free Agency“We tried to keep John really quiet,” Fitzgerald said at a press conference earlier this season. “(I’ve) probably got to coach the guys up to be a little bit more coy, but John’s a really good player. A really, really good player.”
“He’s a matchup problem for linebackers and safeties, because he’s so athletic there in space. This is something we saw coming,” said QB Peyton Ramsey after Raine scored his first touchdown on Nov. 7. “We’re excited he’s on our team, cause he’s definitely a playmaker.”
