In addition to their due diligence on the top projected players in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Giants have spent a significant amount of time scouting potential Day 3 picks and undrafted free agents.
One such player in UNLV defensive back Evan Austrie, who recently told the Vallejo Times Herald that he had been in contact with the Giants.
Austrie, 23, who completed four seasons as a defensive back at UNLV, said even if he isn’t selected, he’s confident he’ll sign with an NFL team. He said the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals have been the teams that have been in contact.
The 6-foot, 209-pound Austrie played strong safety for UNLV as a senior, recording 81 total tackles (five for a loss), two sacks and two forced fumbles. The 81 tackles were good for second on the team, and even landed him on 2019 Pro Football Focus All-Mountain West Second Team.
Austrie was hoping to show off for teams during a Pro Day, but the coronavirus put an end to that, leading the defensive back to find others means of getting himself in front of eyes that matter.
“We couldn’t have a pro day but I did a virtual one,” Austrie said. “Basically, all of my benches and 40-yard dashes were recorded and my agent sent them to every NFL team.”
The Giants obviously like something they saw and reached out to Austrie. However, there is one black mark that Austrie will likely have to explain.
Austrie was one of four UNLV players suspended during the 2019 season for his part in a postgame brawl with rival Nevada.
Whether or not that impacts his draft status or priority as an undrafted free agent remains to be seen, but the Giants certainly don’t want any players capable of causing a distraction.
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