Under-the-radar guys at Giants minicamp
* Rookie tight end
Kevin Boss of Western Oregon turned a lot of heads during the three-day minicamp. G.M. Jerry Reese said he always tries to temper his enthusiasm when a small school player "jumps out" on tape, but Boss has not appeared intimidated at all.
He credits Jeremy Shockey for helping him with the transition. During an OTAs a few weeks ago, Shockey took all the tight ends out for steak. The 6-6, 253-pound Boss caught almost everything thrown his way, and Shockey and Plaxico Burress are hoping he can help take some of the pressure off them.
* With Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns both being bruising runners, the Giants are interested in finding a change-of-pace back. And that's where seventh-round draft choice
Ahmad Bradshaw comes in. The former Marshall player slipped in the draft because of off-field issues, but Reese said he was worth taking a shot on with the 250th pick in the draft. Bradshaw looked explosive on several inside running plays and he appears to have excellent hands. It's still early, but you can tell that the coaches fully expect him to make the roster.
"That's where you make your money," said Reese. "Anyone can see that Calvin Johnson is an outstanding player, but when you hit on some of the guys late in the draft, then you're doing something."
* If you're looking for a big-time darkhorse, go with free-agent rookie wide receiver
Brandon London out of U Mass. He made some great catches, and at 6-4, 210, he's a big target.
* Rookie defensive tackle Jay Alford out of Penn State may not turn a lot of heads, but Reese calls him "one of those lunch pail guys." He thinks Alford can become a solid contributor for a long time.