In the world of professional football, undrafted rookie free agents often face a challenging journey as they strive to secure a place on an NFL roster. Such is the case for Jake Kubas, an offensive lineman for the New York Giants, who has made significant strides in his rookie season. Kubas, a former standout at North Dakota State, utilized an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic to refine his skills, earning multiple postseason accolades in the process. His impressive college performance included allowing only 23 pressures across 1,010 pass-blocking snaps, which positioned him favorably among his peers in the FCS.
Despite these achievements, Kubas entered the NFL undrafted, necessitating a demonstration of his value to the Giants. His perseverance paid off when he received a $30,000 signing bonus from the team. Although he spent much of the early season inactive, Kubas finally made his NFL debut in Week 14 against the New Orleans Saints, and he has since improved with each opportunity. His recent performance included a notable start against the Atlanta Falcons, where he was recognized as the Giants' top-graded offensive lineman, showcasing his potential to contribute significantly to the team.
Giants assistant coach Mike Kafka praised Kubas for his physical play and overall progression, highlighting his ability to adapt to the fast-paced NFL environment. Kubas's agility and athleticism have allowed him to excel in specific offensive schemes, particularly in executing screen plays and blocking assignments. While he continues to refine his strength and blocking techniques, Kubas's determination and work ethic signal a promising future as he aims to solidify his role within the Giants' offensive line.