The New York Giants wide receiver room is trying to restore confidence in itself, the unit that failed miserably in 2021. The new front office believes success is predicated upon the production gained from their playmakers.
The names on the depth chart have achieved success in the past. But collectively, they have all fallen on hard times. The hope is for this unit to resurrect and contribute to the franchise’s turnaround in 2022.
Next up on our Giants preview series is the wide receiver position:
2022 New York Giants Wide Receiver Depth Chart Projections
WR1: Kenny Golladay
The Giants biggest 2021 free agent signing was Kenny Golladay. He was expected to become a playmaker in the G-Men passing game. Instead, Golladay was sidelined with various injuries (hamstring, knee and ribs) that made him a non-factor in the offense.
The talented wideout is noted for his precision route-running ability. Golladay averaged 67 receptions for 1,126 yards and eight touchdowns in two of his most productive seasons (2018-19) with the Detroit Lions. In his first season with the Giants, Golladay garnered career-lows in receptions (37) and yards (521) with no touchdown receptions.
New coach, new offense and the hope that the 29-year-old will return to being a chain-mover with the knack of making clutch catches. Hopefully, 2021 is far removed from the equation and he returns as the top New York Giants wide receiver.
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WR2: Sterling Shepard
Sterling Shepard is coming off a very frustrating season. He set career-lows with 36 receptions, 366 receiving yards and one touchdown in seven games. And, to make matters worse, Shepard tore his Achilles tendon in Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys that prematurely ended his season.
It would have been easy for the Giants to release him this past offseason. His status for 2022 is unknown at the moment. Instead, new Giants general manager Joe Schoen re-negotiated Shepard’s contract (1-year/$3 million). He believes the wideout’s leadership skills are needed to change the attitude inside the Giants locker room.
No question that when healthy, Shepard is a deep ball threat who will command a double team from the opposition. And as a slot receiver, Shepard attacks the short and intermediate areas of the field with great productivity.
How much he will play in 2022 is anybody’s guess. Shepard’s biggest opponent will be his health.
WR3: Kadarius Toney
The surprise 2021 first-round draft pick made his mark on the Giants offense after suffering several setbacks last summer. Kadarius Toney has shown his ability to catch and separate himself from would-be defenders with elusive moves. He was outstanding in creating yards after the catch. Toney averaged 6.0 yards after the catch in his rookie season.
Despite his athleticism, Toney struggled to stay on the football field in 2021. He finished with 39 receptions for 420 yards in 10 games. His snap count could be affected by the presence of rookie slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson. Both players have similar skill sets.
Toney is under pressure to show his worth to the Giants passing game. Head coach Brian Daboll is looking for the same production seen in the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys games from a season ago.
Toney has talent, but he must produce to keep his job.
WR4: Wan’Dale Robinson
Expectations are high that rookie wideout Wan’Dale Robinson could make an impact on the Giants offense this season. He should see his fair share of snaps, especially when the Giants are in four-wide sets. Robinson will gain more touches on sweep runs, bubble screens and the occasional end around.
The G-Men offensive coaching staff is anxiously waiting to use Robinson to their advantage. Especially, if they can gain favorable matchups by moving him around in different formation sets. Robinson has the size, speed and strength to become a dangerous threat in the Giants intermediate passing game. It might be hard to keep him off the field as Daboll may want the ball in Robinson’s hands on obvious passing downs.
WR5: Darius Slayton
The Giants are projected to have five wide receivers on the roster for the upcoming season. The final wide receiver spot will be contested between a handful of candidates, including Darius Slayton. He finds himself in this predicament because his production has declined. Dropped passes has plagued Slayton over the last few seasons.
Slayton will need a productive preseason to earn a roster spot this fall. Currently, he is on the outside looking in for snaps. The one advantage for him is being the Giants lone speed option downfield. But catching the football will be key to Slayton remaining with Big Blue.
The 2022 Giants need to identify a dynamic playmaker among the current group of receivers heading to training camp later this month. Golladay and Shepard offer precision route running, knowledge of sophisticated pass coverages and the ability to gain yardage after the catch.
Unfortunately for them, production matters in the NFL. And neither player has been able to stay on the field to make a difference in games. The Giants need a solution to their offensive struggles quickly.
