Ever since Antonio Gates made it big in the NFL, everyone has been looking for the next athletic big man who isn’t NBA worthy but could make it as a tight end in the NFL. (Some people have even wondered why not just use Shaq for goaline jump ball situations.) Enter Jai Lewis.
Despite George Mason’s improbable run to the Final Four, Jai Lewis isn’t going to be an NBA player. However, about half of the NFL’s 32 teams inquired about Lewis before the draft. Today, the Giants signed him as an undrafted free agent.
Unless Lewis is a complete stiff, at 6’7″ and 290 lbs, he’s got a good shot to at least make the practice squad. And that beats playing basketball in Europe. Giants GM Ernie Accorsi seems to understand that it’s a project and that means he’ll be patient as he waits for Lewis to develop.
It’s not going to happen overnight. Basketball teams are filled with great athletes. The question is, does he have the fortitude to play this sport, where you’re getting hit in the mouth every play?
This mean’s Lewis is the anti-Mario Williams, who better produce from day 1 in minicamp and better have more impact than Reggie Bush from the get go. Although, come to think of it, would you rather have no pressure or $26.5M in guaranteed money? Yeah, us too.
Links:
[Newsday]: Giants sign George Mason hoops player