JUST-IN; Surprise Cut Alert: Giants Lineman Fighting for His NFL Life As Once Promising Giants Draft Pick Now in Real Danger Of Missing The Roster

Not every draft pick turns into a success story in the NFL—that’s just part of the game. With only seven picks per team, each selection carries real weight, especially those on Days 1 and 2. So when a team swings and misses on an early pick, it stings. Unfortunately, it happens more often than you’d think.

The New York Giants experienced that firsthand in 2022 when they spent a third-round pick on North Carolina offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu. At 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, Ezeudu was billed as a mobile, versatile interior lineman. Fast forward three seasons, and that potential has yet to materialize.

Now, the Giants are heading into the summer with a 90-man roster, knowing they’ll have to trim it down to 53. While most cuts typically come from the bottom of the depth chart, struggling former high draft picks aren’t safe either. And unfortunately for Ezeudu, he’s firmly on the bubble.

Is Ezeudu’s Time in New York Almost Up?

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Ezeudu has already played his last down for the Giants. The front office hasn’t given any indication they still believe in him.

This offseason, GM Joe Schoen aggressively reshaped the offensive line: he added swing tackles Stone Forsythe and James Hudson III, re-signed veteran Greg Van Roten, and selected Marcus Mbow in the draft. That followed a busy 2024, which brought in linemen like Jermaine Eluemunor, Jon Runyan Jr., Aaron Stinnie, and Austin Schlottmann. And with undrafted rookie Jake Kubas making a name for himself, the competition is fierce.

What’s Working Against Ezeudu?

Several factors are stacking up. First, Ezeudu’s performance over his first three seasons has lacked both consistency and growth. He was considered a developmental player out of college—but three years later, he’s still viewed as one. That’s not a great sign.

Second, he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal. Cutting him now would save the Giants around $1.5 million in cap space. If he’s not in their long-term plans, parting ways now makes financial and football sense.

Unless Ezeudu absolutely dominates during training camp, it’s hard to imagine him making the final roster. The Giants can’t afford to carry passengers anymore. The offensive line has been too unreliable in recent seasons to justify holding onto a player who hasn’t proven he can help fix that.