Daniel Jones will be happy to know that more reinforcements are on the way. Former second-round pick Dante Pettis was released by the San Francisco 49ers and claimed by the New York Giants last week. Pettis had a solid rookie season, hauling in five touchdowns in just 12 games. Since then, Pettis’ lack of snaps led to being put into Kyle Shanahan‘s doghouse. A fresh start and new environment should bode well for the Giants’ newest wide receiver.
Dante Pettis Gives Daniel Jones Another Weapon
The Metrics
Dante Pettis is 6’1″, 194 pounds. Once cleared from COVID protocol, he will be one of the Giants’ fastest players, with a 4.32 40-time.
Career Overview
Dante Pettis was taken in the second round of the 2018 draft by San Francisco. Injuries led to him missing four games, but he totaled 45 receptions for 467 yards and five touchdowns while averaging just over 17 yards per catch. Since then, his snap counts have decreased every year.
In 2018, he appeared in 452 offensive snaps, only 43 percent, but not too bad considering the missed games. In 2019, he played in 11 games and only saw the field for 313 snaps. He only hauled in 11 passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns. This season has been more of the same story, except that he has barely seen the field at all, only 66 offensive snaps and just one target.
Punt Return Ability
When he was at Washington, Pettis was widely regarded as one of the best punt returners in the game. In four seasons, Pettis returned nine punt returns for touchdowns, four of those from his senior season. Speaking of his senior season, Pettis averaged 20.4 yards on 21 returns.
For some reason, his return abilities were not put to use in the NFL, only seeing nine punt returns and just one kick return since 2018. This should change once he joins his new team. The Giants’ main punt returners at the moment are either Jabrill Peppers or Golden Tate. Pettis gives special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey another option to return punts.
“Dante Pettis is one of the best returners in the history of college football,” said McGaughey in a conference call with reporters. It will sure be interesting to see how he and Joe Judge, who also has special teams experience, will try to implement Pettis into the return game.
Final Word
Dante Pettis will join a wide receiver room that includes veterans such as Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate, who is now back in the building after not traveling with the team to Washington for disciplinary reasons. He also shares the room with younger receivers in Darius Slayton and Austin Mack, who was apart of the Giants’ longest passing play of the season, a 50-yard catch vs the Washington Football Team.
While he hasn’t put up insane numbers with his first team, the potential in Dante Pettis’ game is evident. He can line up in the slot and outside, he has good speed and good route-running ability. He also provides versatility, as he can be a potential threat in the return game if given the chance.
Once he learns the offense, Pettis should be another young receiver with the potential to grow. A low risk, potentially high reward signing for the Giants could be in store if they utilize his strengths correctly.
