The New York Giants have done a substantial amount of work on their roster in recent years and finally appear to be rounding into shape. However, some holes remain and which of those holes is of the utmost important is up for debate.
Some believe the Giants are still desperately lacking on the edge, while others believe they need help at the wide receiver position.
ESPN falls into the latter category, naming wide receiver the biggest remaining roster hole for Big Blue.
New York Giants: Wide receiver
If his 9.6% DVOA in his rookie season is any indication, 2019 fifth-rounder Darius Slayton was a winning lottery ticket. Still, Slayton might remain specialized as a field-stretcher, and even if he doesn’t, the Giants need more help at wide receiver. Golden Tate will be 32 in September and has been inefficient the past two seasons, with below-average DVOA rates. An expensive contract might make him a cut candidate after the 2020 season. Sterling Shepard has been more effective and is much younger, but he also has a history of migraines and suffered two concussions within a month in 2019. It’s difficult to trust that he can be part of the next Giants contender, which could still be another year or two away in the current rebuild. Odell Beckhams don’t grow on trees, but a capable backup or two would help the Giants avoid a dilemma like they faced in 2017, when a Beckham injury left them to rely on the likes of Roger Lewis, Tavarres King and Travis Rudolph. A similar situation in 2020 could derail Daniel Jones’ development.
Personally, I’m not as concerned with the team’s wide receiver as others (including some other authors here on Giants Wire), but can understand the concern over Golden Tate’s age and Sterling Shepard’s history with concussions.
Beyond their top three, which includes Darius Slayton, the Giants have Corey Coleman in tow and it’s clear they still have some hope that he can return to the player who warranted a first round pick (Cleveland Browns, 2016).
The team also added undrafted free agents Binjimen Victor, Austin Mack and Derrick Dillon, all of whom have legitimate potential. Of course, that can’t be relied upon and it may take some time for those players to develop.
If the Giants have an injury at the top of their wide receiver depth, they’re in trouble. But if that top trio can remain on the field, they can be extremely dangerous and productive.
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