Big Blue View
The New York Giants figured to add to their safety position via waivers or free agency after keeping only three on their initial 53-man roster. It appears they have done so, using their spot with the No. 3 overall waiver claim priority to claim former Baltimore Ravens safety Beau Brade.
Brade, 23, is a former undrafted free agent out of Maryland who played in 11 games for the Ravens in 2024. Brade played just 11 defensive snaps for the Ravens, but played 207 snaps on special teams.
Brade is listed at 6-foot, 209 pounds.
Here is a pre-2024 NFL Draft scouting report on Brade from The Draft Network:
Beau Brade is a multi-level defender with physicality that pops off the screen. Comfortable in a variety of coverages and has experience in single-high.
Against the run, Brade showcases a willingness to mix it up unlike any other safety in the class. Hunts for contact and approaches ball-carriers with intelligent violence to avoid whiffs and missed tackles. Can diagnose from depth and beat second-level defenders to the spot. Can, at times, overpurse due to his willingness to attack the alley, but he is rarely out of position (Ohio State). Consistently a part of the pile and isn’t afraid to attack linemen in space, either. Not an overpowering athlete to blow through blocks but has the requisite strength and athleticism to quickly disengage.
In coverage, Brade’s instincts showcase extremely well. Not a ton of work near the line of scrimmage in man, however. Comfortable in single and two-high as well as the robber working at the second level. High-level processor when playing centerfield. Excellent click-and-close ability and hand usage to work through the upper half of pass-catchers. Physicality pops in coverage and thrives inside a phone booth. Despite Brade’s comfortability in battling for space, he rarely will draw a flag and does not grab if caught off balance (three penalties in 1,713 career snaps). His potential as a hybrid second-level defender is through the roof due to his athleticism, tackling ability, and instincts.
Brade’s hips and footwork are smooth but top-end speed/acceleration is lacking to be a true numbers-to-numbers defender. Eyes can also get caught in the backfield on play-action (Ohio State/Michigan).
Overall, Brade is a well-rounded prospect who will impact a defense on all three downs. A future at free safety remains intriguing, but activation inside the box as a modern-day defensive chess piece could quickly see Brade become a high-level playmaker at the NFL level.
Here is a play from Blade during the 2024 preseason with the Ravens:
Here is Ravens coach John Harbaugh talking about Brade during training camp:
The Giants cut kick returner/wide receiver Gunner Olszewski and cornerback Korie Black, a seventh-round pick, to make room for Brade and cornerback Rico Payton, who was also claimed on waivers. Expect Olszewski back on the roster soon as this seems like roster gymnastics. Black is probably headed to the practice squad if...
