The New York Giants have added former Chiefs linebacker Ukeme Eligwe to the team’s practice squad as of Monday.
The New York Giants added former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ukeme Eligwe to their practice squad on Monday.
The Giants have been very busy altering the bottom of their roster with various waiver claims—making the most overall of any NFL team. From there they’ve also made several moves to bring in new players to outfit their practice squad and other positions in the last several hours with perhaps more to come.
Eligwe was the Chiefs fifth round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft and showed above average athleticism at the pro level at various points over the last two preseason campaigns. He was making the leap from Georgia Southern and was selected as a developmental pass rusher by John Dorsey at the time. Somehow, however, Eligwe got stuck with the inside linebackers this summer, which might have placed him a bit out of position for his skill set. Perhaps the Giants will return him to outside, although that remains to be seen.
The Chiefs cut Eligwe loose when Ben Niemann showed up strong as an undrafted free agent linebacker alongside the solid special teams play of Terrance Smith. Eligwe was one of three 2017 draft picks cut loose by the Chiefs including wide receiver Jehu Chesson (4th round pick) and safety Leon McQuay (6th), although McQuay was brought back on the K.C. practice squad.
Eligwe is a solid prospect and nice addition for the Giants. He was a man out of place here in K.C. but his natural skill set should earn him a deep look with the Giants in the hopes of making it to the active roster.