As the New York Giants get ready for the beginning of training camp on July 28th many positions are still up for grabs. Today we take a look at the Tight End position.
New York Giants Tight End Projection
Will Tye
Will Tye (Stony Brook) began his Giants career last season with 42 receptions and 464 yards receiving, and 3 touchdowns. Tye (Who Eli refers to as “Baby Gates“) will no doubt be one of the top tight ends on the depth chart this season. Tye, like many Giants tight ends in the the recent past, struggled with blocking assignments and technique at times. Hopefully a second year of training camp in coach Ben McAdoo‘s system will yield better results in that area. The Giants are also including the tight ends in meetings with the offensive linemen this year which again should yield better results for all playing the position.
Larry Donnell
Larry Donell had a mildly successful first half of the year last season before succumbing to injury. He had 29 receptions for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns. Donnell’s production was down from the previous year. His size, particularly his height, seems to open him up to injuries and fumbling issues. Donell will need to learn how to protect himself from the low tackles that flip him in the air and secure the ball at the same time. Donnell will also surely be part of the 2016 New York Giants.
Matt LaCosse
Matt LaCosse played in just one game last year vs Minnesota in week 15. He had 3 receptions for 22 yards. Matt will also benefit from a full training camp under the new coaching regime and look to make a name for himself on special teams as well as the tight end position. The Giants may carry 3 tight ends or 4, but from here on down the more a player can do, the more valuable he becomes.
Jerell Adams
Jerell Adams is one of two rookies brought in this year to compete at tight end. 6’5″ 247 lbs out of South Carolina. He was drafted in the 6th round of this years draft. Originally projected as a 3rd or 4th round pick, he is certainly worth a look as a 6th rounder. He excels at blocking and has exceptional hands and speed for such a big man. Jerell has a great chance to win a spot on this roster with a good camp and preseason.
Ryan Malleck
Ryan Malleck is the final tight end on the roster heading into camp. Ryan at 6’4″249 lb from Virginia Tech is an undrafted free agent from nearby Teaneck New Jersey. Listed on his weaknesses in his draft profile is his ability to block. This is a highly competitive guy that will fight to be on any roster. Probably a core special teamer as well as a good passing option at tight end. I could see him signing to the practice squad or getting a chance with another team at least. He is the dark horse of the group.
The New York Giants offense has always been successful with a big pass catching tight end. From Bob Tucker to Mark Bavaro, to Kevin Boss, to Jake Ballard. They have always been game changers. The Giants need to find that type of player again at this position.
