The New York Giants bolstered their interior defensive line by signing undrafted free agent Casey Rogers, a sixth-year senior from Oregon. Despite not addressing defensive line depth in the draft, the Giants opted to add talent through undrafted signings like Rogers. He brings experience from playing 770 snaps at defensive tackle for Oregon over the past two seasons and also contributed on special teams. Prior to his time at Oregon, Rogers spent four seasons at Nebraska, where he earned recognition as an academic All-Big Ten honoree while showcasing consistency as a disruptor on the inside.
Rogers possesses the ideal frame for a 3-tech defensive tackle and excels as a gap shooter, particularly effective on slants and stunts where he can initiate movement exchanges. His quick burst off the line allows him to penetrate past offensive linemen, and he demonstrates a relentless motor, constantly pressuring the quarterback or ball carrier until support arrives.
However, there are areas for improvement in Rogers’ game. While he disrupts plays as a pass rusher, he struggles to finish them due to high pad level and lack of a consistent go-to move. Improving his hand usage could enhance his effectiveness. In the run game, Rogers lacks the technique and power to withstand power run blockers and is susceptible to being washed away on double teams. He needs to develop more consistent block destruction techniques to thrive when initial penetration is not achieved.
In the Giants’ defensive scheme, Rogers could contribute in passing situations, leveraging his ability to shoot gaps and pressure quarterbacks without worrying about dual responsibilities. Playing alongside established talents like Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns should alleviate concerns about facing double teams, allowing Rogers to focus on disrupting plays and flushing quarterbacks into sacks.
