As an undrafted free agent rookie in the NFL, you have to go above and beyond if you have any hopes of making a roster. Opportunities will be limited, so when you get a chance to make an impression on your coaches, you need to do everything possible to stand out.
How to earn a roster spot starring Giants rookie Elijah Chatman
You need to see Giants rookie DT Elijah Chatman chase down this play
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.
That brings us to New York Giants rookie defensive tackle Elijah Chatman.
The defensive tackle recorded 80 pressures, 13.5 sacks, and 34.5 TFLs through five seasons at SMU, however, despite that production, he was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, and did not hear his name called during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Still, Chatman posted impressive numbers at SMU’s Pro Day last spring — including a 4.81 40-yard dash which would have been fifth-best among DTs in Indianapolis — and has been impressing coaches so far at Giants’ training camp.
Why do we mention that 40-yard dash? Just watch Chatman, #94, on this play against the Houston Texans from this weekend:
The Texans run an outside zone running play to J.J. Taylor, listed at 5’6 185 pounds, away from Chatman’s side of the formation. However, the defensive tackle, himself listed at 6’0 278 pounds, does not give up on the play. Instead, you see every stride of that 4.81-second 40-yard dash put to work, as Chatman chases Taylor down from behind.
According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats Chatman hit 16.28 mph while chasing Taylor down from behind.
He might have earned a roster spot along the way.
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