The New York Giants are already much improved in one key area than last season: wide receiver. The Giants added Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney this offseason and have high hopes for what was a lackluster offense in 2020. The top four receivers are already set in Golladay, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, and Toney. After that, the fifth job on the Giants wide receivers corps is up for grabs. Thus, making it something to monitor as practices have begun.
Bottom of Wide Receiver Depth Chart is Intriguing to Watch
John Ross is looking for a fresh start with Giants
John Ross, the former 2017 first-round pick, never found his footing with the Cincinnati Bengals. In four seasons with the Bengals, Ross appeared in 27 games and caught 51 passes for 733 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 18.1 yards per catch. Ross has never stayed healthy or even found a rhythm in the NFL. If the Giants can help him do that, then they can capitalize on his potential.
Now Ross is competing for a roster spot, trying to make a New York Giants team that significantly upgraded their wide receiver core. If Ross can stay healthy throughout camp and prove to make plays, he has a real shot at sticking around. Everybody knows he is a speedster, now he has to put it all together.
David Sills doing everything he can to make the 53
David Sills missed the entire 2020 season after fracturing his foot last year in training camp. Sills, a former quarterback from West Virginia, switched to wide receiver during his freshman year.
Giants wide receiver coach Tyke Tolbert considers Sills a “rep stealer.” Whenever there is a chance to catch passes in practice, Sills is right in front of the line and ready to show his skills. He still has yet to appear in an NFL game, but likely would have if he did not get injured last season. Sills was also seen working out with Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley right before training camp began, and has begun to develop an after-practice clique with Jones to work on some routes.
Sills has some more competition this year than last, but his chances at making the roster will be put to the test when he finally sees some real game action in a few weeks.
Dante Pettis trying to stick around after a strong end to 2020
Dante Pettis was a former second-round pick who never panned out with his original team. He was waived by the San Francisco 49ers in November last year and was claimed by the Giants the next day.
Pettis appeared in two games for New York last season and ended with four catches for 76 yards and added a touchdown in Week 17. Not the greatest stats, but Pettis proved he can play in this system and has the experience to show for it.
Austin Mack still shining throughout camp
Austin Mack signed with the Giants last year as an undrafted free agent. Mack appeared in 11 games last season and totaled seven receptions for 91 yards. This will be his second year in this system and clearly, the staff respects his game.
Mack caught a touchdown this week from Clayton Thorson and joined Daniel Jones for a post-practice toss around. Mack appeared to injure his hamstring during Friday’s practice, no update currently on his status but he also has a strong case to be the Giants fifth wide receiver on this roster.
The final three players
C.J. Board, Alex Bachman and Derrick Dillon are all also fighting for the last wide receiver spot on the roster. Board has been a journeyman in the pros and played 14 out of his 18 career games last season with New York.
Bachman, like Sills, has yet to appear in an NFL game but appears to impress staff during practices. He was signed to a reserve/futures deal back in January and is still fighting to make his name heard on gamedays.
Derrick Dillon is another player fighting for this spot that lacks in-game experience. His speed is intriguing, as he ran a 4.29 40-yard dash time. However, Dillon is a long shot to make the roster because of those previously mentioned. He will really have to turn heads this summer to show he is worth keeping around.
The New York Giants have a good problem
Last year, the Giants lacked depth at the wide receiver position. Less than one year later, there is competition for the fifth wide receiver position. There is a lot of young talent fighting for the one spot. Through camp, coaches are going to need to make a tough decision. However, this is a sign that the Giants are building the right way and have a whole lot to look forward to in terms of the Giants wide receiver core.
