NY Post: John Mara all in on Giants plan
After the dust settled on the most-watched draft in NFL history, Giants president and chief executive officer John Mara spoke with the New York Post about the team’s 10-member class.
"I do believe that we're on the right path," Mara told The Post on Sunday night. "But I'm sure our fans are saying, 'I've heard you say that before.' So until we start winning games, I understand there's gonna be some doubt. But I do feel good about where we are right now."
To recap, below is a look at the entire draft class. The Giants entered Thursday night with 10 picks and used all of them, including the final choice of 2020.
- Georgia OT Andrew Thomas, Round 1, Pick 4
- Alabama S Xavier McKinney, Round 2, Pick 36
- UConn OT Matt Peart, Round 3, Pick 99
- UCLA CB Darnay Holmes, Round 4, Pick 110
- Oregon G Shane Lemieux, Round 5, Pick 150
- Penn State LB Cam Brown, Round 6, Pick 183
- Minnesota LB Carter Coughlin, Round 7, Pick 218
- South Carolina LB TJ Brunson, Round 7, Pick 238
- Minnesota CB Chris Williamson, Round 7, Pick 247
- Georgia LB Tae Crowder, Round 7, Pick 255
As Steve Serby wrote, Mara was pleased with the resources that general manger Dave Gettleman and coach Joe Judge poured into the offensive line.
"These guys gotta prove themselves as players, but that was the focus going into the draft," Mara said. "It's something I've been banging on them for a while, we really had to get this fixed once and for all. In football, once you have the quarterback, you better have an offensive line. It sets the tone for the rest of the team, and if you're not blocking for the quarterback or for the running back, then you have very little chance."
Mara was also encouraged by the communication given the unprecedented format of this year's draft.
"It was terrific, they had great communication," Mara said. "There's a lot of discussions, a lot of meetings, and I was really pleased with the way the whole team operated. They obviously respect one another, and I was very pleased with how it all worked out. You never know how that's gonna work out with a new head coach and a general manager that's been around the league for a while, and I thought that their communication was excellent. I thought it went far more smoothly than I ever could have imagined."
To read the full article by NY Post's Steve Serby, CLICK HERE.
Reports: Giants agree to terms with 15 undrafted free agents
The Giants have agreed to contract terms with the following undrafted former college players, according to reports. Each agreement is contingent on the player passing a physical that will be conducted after travel restrictions are lifted.
- Case Cookus, QB, Northern Arizona, 6-4, 205
- Javon Leake, RB, Maryland, 6-0, 206
- Derrick Dillon, WR, LSU, 5-11, 186
- Austin Mack, WR, Ohio State, 6-2, 215
- Binjimen Victor, WR, Ohio State, 6-4, 200
- Rysen John, WR, Simon Fraser University (British Columbia), 6-7, 237
- Kyle Markway, TE, South Carolina, 6-4, 250
- Tyler Haycraft, OL, Louisville, 6-3, 293
- Kyle Murphy, OL, Rhode Island, 6-4, 302
- Niko Lalos, OLB, Dartmouth, 6-5, 270
- Dominique Ross, OLB, North Carolina, 6-4, 228
- Dana Levine, OLB, Temple, 6-4, 235
- JaQuarius Landrews, DB, Mississippi State, 6-0, 200
- Christian Angulo, DB, Hampton, 6-2, 190
- Malcolm Elmore, DB, Central Methodist, 5-11, 185
- Austrian RB Sandro Platzgummer allocated to Giants
View photos of the undrafted rookie free agents who have reportedly agreed to terms with the team.
WR Austin Mack, Ohio State
WR Binjimen Victor, Ohio State
TE Kyle Markway, South Carolina
DE Dana Levine, Temple
LB Dominique Ross, UNC
WR Derrick Dillon, LSU
RB Javon Leake, Maryland
OL Kyle Murphy, Rhode Island
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack (11) makes a reception, defended by Michigan defensive backs Tyree Kinnel (23) and Brandon Watson (28), in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Ohio State won 31-20. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack catches a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, in Evanston, Il. Ohio State won 52-3. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack, top, makes a catch against Oklahoma defender Robert Barnes during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. Oklahoma won 31-16. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack (11) scores on a 16-yard touchdown reception against Michigan in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack (11) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).
Ohio State receiver Austin Mack plays against Miami (Ohio) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State receiver Austin Mack, right, stiff arms UNLV defensive back Dalton Baker during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack is lifted after scoring on a pass from quarterback Justin Fields during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Northwestern on Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Ohio State won 52-3. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack plays in Ohio State's NCAA college football spring game Saturday, April 16, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State receiver Austin Mack plays against Cincinnati during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack catches the ball during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Temple defensive end Dana Levine (17) celebrates after sacking South Florida quarterback Jordan McCloud during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Ohio State receiver Binjimen Victor, top, celebrates his touchdown against Maryland with teammate Billy Price during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
West wide receiver Binjimen Victor, of Ohio State, (19) pulls in a touchdown pass against the East during the second half of the East West Shrine football game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) celebrates following the team's 34-21 win over Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. Ohio State won 34-21. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State coach Ryan Day, right, celebrates with defensive tackle wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) following the team's 34-21 win over Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, early Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Indianapolis. AP Photo/AJ Mast)
West wide receiver Binjimen Victor, of Ohio State, (19) pulls in a touchdown pass in front of East cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, of Florida International University, (39) during the second half of the East West Shrine football game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) runs during the second half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) runs past Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal (45) during the second half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) is tackled by Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal (45) during the second half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) rushes against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Piscataway, N.J. Ohio State won 56-21. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) rushes against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Piscataway, N.J. Ohio State won 56-21. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) runs during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) congratulates wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) on scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) fends off Wisconsin cornerback Semar Melvin (20) after making a catch during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor makes a catch for a touchdown against Florida Atlantic during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor is tackled by Washington defensive back JoJo McIntosh during the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor is seen against Florida Atlantic during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) makes a catch during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Ohio State receiver Binjimen Victor, right, tries to avoid Rutgers defensive back Damon Hayes during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Rutgers 52-3. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State receiver Binjimen Victor plays against Tulane during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) reaches out to catch a touchdown against Maryland defensive back RaVon Davis, right, during the second half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Ohio State receiver Binjimen Victor plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State's Binjimen Victor (9) catches a pass in front of Penn State's Amani Oruwariye (21) and runs in for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Ohio State won 27-26. (AP Photo/Chris Knight)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) catches a pass for a touchdown as Rutgers defensive back Damon Hayes (22) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Ohio State receiver Binjimen Victor runs after a catch as Michigan State linebacker Tyriq Thompson makes the tackle during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Michigan State 48-3. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State receiver Binjimen Victor, top, catches a touchdown against Illinois defensive back Frank Sumpter during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Rhode Island offensive lineman Kyle Murphy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Rhode Island offensive lineman Kyle Murphy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Rhode Island guard Kyle Murphy runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Rhode Island offensive lineman Kyle Murphy participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Rhode Island guard Kyle Murphy runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Rhode Island offensive lineman Kyle Murphy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football against Temple, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Philadelphia. Temple won 20-17. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) runs against Purdue during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA football game against Indiana, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in College Park, Md. Indiana won 34-28. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) strides into the end zone to score during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 34-32. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) scores on a one-yard touchdown run in the second half of an NCAA football game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. Michigan 42-21. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) checks over his shoulder for the Indiana defense as he rushes the ball into the end zone to score during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 34-32. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) rushes past a group of Illinois defenders for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
South Carolina tight end Kyle Markway (84) catches a 19-yard pass for a touchdown in front of Florida safety Donovan Stiner (13) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
South Carolina tight end Kyle Markway (84) runs with the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
South Carolina tight end Kyle Markway (84) runs for yardage in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
South Carolina tight end Kyle Markway (84) runs with the ball against Vanderbilt defensive back BJ Anderson (16) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina defeated Vanderbilt 24-7. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
South Carolina's Kyle Markway (84) and Bailey Hart (16) celebrate after defeating Georgia 20-17 in double overtime of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
South Carolina tight end Kyle Markway (84) holds a piece of the Sanford Stadium hedge in his teeth as he celebrates defeating Georgia 20-17 in double overtime of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
South Carolina tight end Kyle Markway (84) runs for yardage as he's defended by Tennessee defensive back Jaylen McCollough (22) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) escapes the attempted tackle of Auburn defensive back Jeremiah Dinson (20) and runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) carries against Utah State linebacker David Woodward (9) in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah State in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. LSU won 42-6. LSU won 42-6. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) in the first half during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against UCF, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Glendale, AZ. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) in the first half during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against UCF, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Glendale, AZ. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) sheds UCF defensive back Richie Grant (27) on his way to a touchdown in the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) scores a touchdown against UCF during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Glendale, AZ. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) carries as Arkansas defensive back Santos Ramirez tries to tackle in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
North Carolina's Dominique Ross (3) reacts after a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mercer in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Mercer's Tyray Devezin (34) is tackled by North Carolina's Dominique Ross (3) and Tomon Fox (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
North Carolina's Khadry Jackson (8) and Dominique Ross (3) tackle Mercer's Chris Ellington (88) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Austrian running back Sandro Platzgummer has been allocated to the New York Giants as part of the NFL International Player Pathway Program.
The program, instituted in 2017, aims to provide international athletes the opportunity to compete at the NFL level, improve their skills, and ultimately earn a spot on an NFL roster. After the NFL conducted an International Combine in Germany last October, Platzgummer received additional training and development alongside NFL players and draft hopefuls in Florida at IMG Academy this winter.
The NFC East was chosen to receive these players in a random draw, making the Giants one of four teams able to carry an additional overseas player on their practice squads in 2020.
Isaac Alarcon, a former Mexican college football national champion, will join the Dallas Cowboys; David Bada, a former defensive end for the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns of the German Football League, will join the Washington Redskins; and Australian Matt Leo, who played football for the Iowa State Cyclones, will join the Philadelphia Eagles.
"The International Player Pathway program is an important part of our ongoing efforts to grow the game globally and provide pathways for international players to make it to the NFL," said Damani Leech, NFL Chief Operating Officer of International. "We were excited to have players from around the world competing for a spot in the 2020 program, including eight players who were selected after participating in the International Combine in Germany this past October."
Platzgummer played for the Swarco Raiders Tirol, an American football team based in Innsbruck, Austria. It has won the Austrian Football League championship seven times, including a victory in Austrian Bowl XXXV this past year to cap a perfect season.
Three players that participated in the program in 2019 – Jakob Johnson (New England Patriots), Durval Queiroz Neto (Miami Dolphins) and Christian Wade (Buffalo Bills) – will return to their AFC East teams for the upcoming season.
The new players taking part in the 2020 International Player Pathway Program:
ISAAC ALARCON, Offensive Tackle, (Mexico) – Dallas Cowboys
Represented Mexico at the U19 World Championships facing Team USA, Canada and Japan. Attended ITESM Monterrey, where he saw action at both right and left tackle. While at the university, he won the 2019 national championship and was selected to the CONADEIP all-star team.
DAVID BADA, Defensive End, (Germany) – Washington Redskins
Competed in the German Football League's top division for the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns. Had previously played for the Ingolstadt Dukes, where he developed as a pass rusher.
MATT LEO, Defensive End, (Australia) – Philadelphia Eagles
Played rugby while growing up in Australia. Earned a scholarship to Arizona Western College, then transferred to Iowa State. Was redshirted for one year and finished his eligibility by playing for two years as a defensive end. In 2019, Leo played in all 13 game, posting 14 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and one sack. A liberal studies major, he was First-Team Academic All-Big 12 Conference in 2019.
SANDRO PLATZGUMMER, Running Back, (Austria) – New York Giants
Participated in youth football leagues while growing up in Austria. Represented Austria on their U19 team and competed on the senior team in the 2018 European Championships. In 2019, Platzgummer played running back for the Swarco Raiders Tirol of the Austrian Football League with nearly 1000 total yards and 15 total touchdowns.
Sandro Platzgummer, a former Austrian U19 national team running back, will join the New York Giants as part of the International Player Pathway program.
The returning participants from the 2019 International Player Pathway Program:
JAKOB JOHNSON, Fullback, (Germany) – New England Patriots
Johnson made his NFL debut during the 2019 season in a Week 3 win against the New York Jets. His first NFL start came the following week in Buffalo where he contributed as a lead blocker. And in Week 5 he made his first career reception for five yards against the Washington Redskins. Originally assigned to the Patriots through the International Pathway Program, the Patriots elected to forgo that option and make him a regular member of their 10-man practice squad, which gave them the option of promoting him to their active roster. Prior to the NFL, Johnson played for the Stuttgart Scorpions of the German Football League before moving to Jacksonville where he played one season of high school football in the United States. He was then recruited by the University of Tennessee.
DURVAL QUEIROZ NETO, Defensive Tackle, (Brazil) – Miami Dolphins
Played domestically in Brazil for the past four seasons on the two best teams in Brazil. A judo champion prior to playing football, he is known for his tremendous athletic ability and a willingness to learn. Spent the 2019 season on the Miami Dolphins' practice squad.
CHRISTIAN WADE, Running Back/Kick Returner, (England) – Buffalo Bills
Represented the English National Rugby Team at the U16, U18, U20 and senior levels. Was selected to the British and Irish Lions squad, the highest honor for a rugby player. His 82 Premiership Rugby tries (touchdowns) ranks third on the league's all-time list. A projected running back, he has outstanding athletic ability and a versatile skill set. Spent the 2019 season on the Buffalo Bills' practice squad. Wade raised eyebrows during the 2019 preseason with two long runs, showcasing his superior speed.
Notable International Player Pathway Program Participants Currently on NFL Rosters:
JORDAN MAILATA, Tackle (Australia) – Philadelphia Eagles
The 2018 NFL Draft culminated an exciting time for Mailata, a past program participant. The Samoan-born Australian former professional rugby league player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs was drafted in the seventh round by the Philadelphia Eagles (thereby making him ineligible for the International Player Pathway Program). Converted to football full-time early in 2018, the 6-8, 350-pounder impressed NFL scouts at various workouts with his strength, footwork and athleticism. He was the youngest players on the Eagles roster in 2018 and remains with the team.
EFE OBADA, Defensive End (UK) – Carolina Panthers
Obada become the first player from the NFL International Pathway program to make a 53-man roster in 2018. He played his first regular season game in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his one-sack, one-interception performance. In 2019, Obada posted a career-best 24 tackles and played in all 16 of the Panthers' games, including their 2019 International Series game in London, where he was named an honorary captain. Obada signed a one-year contract extension with the Panthers on January 6, 2020. Obada was raised in London after arriving from the Netherlands at age 10. He signed as a free agent for the Dallas Cowboys in 2015 after playing only five games of amateur football with the London Warriors. He played in the preseason for the Cowboys and spent part of the 2015 season on the club's practice squad. He has since had spells on the rosters of the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons before joining the Carolina Panthers practice squad as part of the 2017 International Player Pathway Program.
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