UDFA guard Jake Kubas could bid for spot on Giants’ 53-man roster

Much was made of the fact that the New York Giants did not select any offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft. They did, though, add a couple of intriguing undrafted free agent linemen who might pay dividends down the road.

One of those was North Dakota State guard Jake Kubas. Let’s take a closer look at Kubas as we wind our way through player-by-player profiles of the Giants’ 90-man roster.

The skinny

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 308
Opening day age: 23
Position: Guard
Experience: Rookie
Contract: Year 1 of three year, $2,860,000 UDFA deal | 2024 cap hit: $805,000 | Guaranteed in 2024: $270,000 ($240,000 in guaranteed salary, $30,000 in pro-rates signing bonus)

Career to date

Kubas was a three-year starter at right guard for North Dakota State.

Kubas was named first-team Stats Perform FCS All-America, second-team Phil Steele FCS All-America, and third-team Associated Press FCS All-America in 2023. He is 6-foot-3⅞, 308 pounds.

The Giants got a close look at Kubas when an offensive line coach from the team reportedly ran the offensive line workouts at the North Dakota State Pro Day. Kubas did not earn an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, but was impressive enough to earn $270,000 in guaranteed money from the Giants, a significant amount for an undrafted player.

“I think anytime you can get in front of an assistant O-Line coach, an O-line coach, an area scout or whatever it may be, and work out in front of them… I think it’s valuable. Especially being an FCS school, “Kubas said at the Pro Day. “So, it is big anytime I can get in front of somebody in an NFL organization to work out.”

2024 outlook

Kubas is bidding for a spot as a backup guard. During OTAs and mandatory minicamp, Kubas spent some time working with the second unit. That could be interpreted as a sign that Kubas may have a legitimate chance to make the 53-man roster.

If the Giants truly believe the versatile Josh Ezeudu is best suited as a swing tackle rather than aas a guard, his primary collegiate position, that helps Kubas’ chances. If current left guard Jermaine Eluemunor has to move to right tackle to replace Evan Neal, perhaps that also gives Kubas an increased chance of making the roster.

It is, of course, silly to try and judge an offensive lineman during spring work in shorts and t-shirts without full contact. Kubas, though, will be an interesting player to watch during training camp and the preseason.