Tag: Wan’Dale Robinson

Giants agree to terms with rookies Wan’Dale Robinson, Dane Belton

The New York Giants have agreed to terms with rookie safety Dane Belton and rookie wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson.

The New York Giants have agreed to terms with two new rookies from their 2022 NFL draft class.

The Giants have agreed to terms with both their second- and fourth-round draft picks to their rookie contracts. The entire Giants draft class (all 11 picks) will now soon be under contract.

Their second-round pick, Wan’Dale Robinson, adds another playmaker for Big Blue at the wideout position. He was an electric athlete in college and broke out his junior year as he totaled 1,445 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Pairing Robinson with another shifty receiver, Kadarius Toney, should give the Giants a lot of opportunities to diversify the game plan and spread defenses out.

As for the Giants’ fourth-round draft pick, Dane Belton should have an opportunity to get Week 1 reps at the safety position.

The team is paper thin in the defensive backfield. After Julian Love and Xavier McKinney, the Giants have no players on the roster that have played snaps at the safety position. Belton has had three years of experience as an Iowa Hawkeye where he was a star, even recording five interceptions in his final season.

This combination of skill and experience gives Belton the opportunity to play right away for New York.

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Giants’ Wan’Dale Robinson named ‘deep fantasy sleeper’

FantasyPros named Giants WR Wan’Dale Robinson a deep sleeper in fantasy football.

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson enters an ambiguous position, which may give him a chance to have relevance in fantasy football during his first season.

While rookie wide receivers are better bets during the second half of the season for fantasy purposes, he was named a deep sleeper by FantasyPros.

Expert Consensus Ranking: WR91

ADP: 264th overall, WR106

I try not to read too much into narratives and rumors. But it’s worth noting that the Giants went out and drafted Robinson in the second round, when he was projected to be a Round 4 pick at best. His skill set also has some overlap with Kadarius Toney, who the trade rumors were circling around briefly. This Giants receiving corps is a mess I don’t want much attachment to. But Robinson’s got a skill set that could make him New York’s version of Deebo Samuel. I’m intrigued.

Even with the down year in 2021, we should expect Kenny Golladay to lead the wide receiver room in targets. The aforementioned Toney will have his chance at a role as well, but it wouldn’t be a shock if Robinson worked himself into a solid role by the midway point of the season.

At WR106 in fantasy football, Robinson can only go up. There are seemingly no expectations for fantasy purposes. But if head coach Brian Daboll can get the offense clicking early, he may find use for the shifty Robinson.

The Kentucky product is a stash in deeper leagues and probably doesn’t warrant being drafted in your typical fantasy league at this point, but there is upside for the rookie.

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Ex-Giant Corey Raymond raves about Cor’Dale Flott’s football IQ

Former New York Giants CB and ex-LSU coach, Corey Raymond, believes rookie Cor’Dale Flott has the smarts to excel in the NFL.

The New York Giants surprised some folks when they selected LSU cornerback Cor’Dale Flott with the 81st overall pick in the Round 3 of this year’s NFL draft. Many experts felt it was a bit a reach as Flott was still considered a work in progress.

The Giants didn’t think so, and neither did many who played with — and against — Flott in college. One of those players was Kentucky wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, who the Giants selected in the second round this year.

“There were a couple times I came over to the sideline to my coach, and I said, ‘It’s like [Flott] knows what I’m running a couple times,'” Robinson told Giants.com. “That was really the only guy I felt like that against.”

Flott’s coach was none other than former Giants cornerback Corey Raymomd. Raymond played three seasons for the Giants from 1992-94 before embarking on a long coaching career.

Raymond, who has moved on from LSU to Florida, told the Giants Huddle podcast that he was “trying to find another corner like Flott” and also had this to say about the 6-foot-1, 175 pounder from Saraland, Alabama.

“Him being a smart player allowed him to do different things,” said Raymond. “He picks up defenses well. He understands a lot of different things that are happening out there. He has great instincts. He has an understanding of the game. He has all those attributes that are going to help him.”

Raymond believes the Giants could reap some immediate benefits from Flott as a rookie since he played in the SEC, where the last three National Champions came out of.

“I think he’ll be able to do it just because of coming from the conference we’re playing in,” Raymond said. “He had the heart because he went against NFL guys in practice every day, plus every week [you’re playing against maybe] not a first-rounder but it’s a draftable guy. He’s been in the fire, and that’s what’s going to help him. He’ll be able to adjust to the speed of the game. It’ll get him going faster.”

The Giants apparently would like to use Flott in the slot to start but things are fluid heading into camp.

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Giants’ Wan’Dale Robinson again named ‘player who could disappoint in 2022’

For the second time in a month, Bleacher Report has named New York Giants rookie WR Wan’Dale Robinson a player who could disappoint in 2022.

For the second time in three weeks, Bleacher Report has named New York Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson a “player who could disappoint in 2022.”

The first instance came back in early June when Kristopher Knox tabbed Robinson as someone who won’t live up to the hype. Then, on Tuesday, Maurice Moton doubled down on that stance.

Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, Kadarius Toney and Darius Slayton all figure to be ahead of Robinson on the depth chart at wide receiver. Furthermore, running back Saquon Barkley expects to take on a sizable role as a pass-catcher, per CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson.

Big Blue might entertain trade offers for Toney and Slayton, according to The Athletic’s Dan Duggan. But even if the Giants deal one of them, Robinson would probably go into the regular season as the No. 4 wideout at best.

At 5’8″ and 185 pounds, Robinson will likely line up in the slot and handle some ball-carrying duties, but he seems primed for a role as more of a gadget player than a consistent threat in the passing game.

Robinson was one of the team’s stars throughout minicamp and has clearly developed some sort of rapport with quarterback Daniel Jones. And despite the number of bodies at the position, injuries will likely pave the way for a more pronounced offensive role for Robinson.

Even if the team can stay healthy, Robinson’s ability to create space on the field will be of tremendous value to Brian Daboll, Mike Kafka & Co. For that reason alone, he’s poised to see a significant number of snaps.

Robinson may have been over-drafted in the eyes of many, but this growing notion that he’s going to disappoint as a rookie seems entirely unfounded.

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Why Giants fans should be excited about Wan’Dale Robinson

Breaking down what Kentucky wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson brings to the New York Giants

After trading down multiple times at the top of the second round, the New York Giants spent the No. 43 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft on yet another undersized-but-explosive pass-catcher.

Much like Kadarius Toney, their first-round pick in 2021, Kentucky’s Wan’Dale Robinson brings an electrifying skill set to the New York offense. What Robinson lacks in size, he makes up for with elite quickness and big-play ability, both after the catch and when stretching opposing defenses vertically.

Toney is a versatile offensive weapon who can line up anywhere on the field, making him a frustrating challenge for defensive coordinators. Expect a creative play-caller like new Giants head coach Brian Daboll to find plenty of unique ways to get the ball in Robinson’s hands, whether he’s lined up wide or in the backfield.

While there were rumors earlier in the offseason that Toney might be on the trade block, the Giants would be wise to deploy the rare playmaking ability that both he and Robinson bring to the table. If New York can get improved play from quarterback Daniel Jones this season, having another dynamic pass-catcher like Robinson to challenge defenses in various ways should help spark this offense in 2022.

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PFF: Giants’ Kadarius Toney a Year 2 player under mounting pressure

Pro Football Focus has named New York Giants WR Kadarius Toney one of 10 second-year players who are under mounting pressure in 2022.

New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney had a rough rookie season. Although he flashed at times, his first season in the NFL was defined by inconsistency and injury.

For that reason, Pro Football Focus has listed Toney as a Year 2 player under mounting pressure.

It’s never a great sign when the team drafts a player that appears to be a natural replacement for someone who was drafted at the same position the year before, but that’s the reality facing Toney after the Giants selected Wan’Dale Robinson in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Toney flashed unbelievable talent as a rookie but has struggled to stay on the field. Additionally, there has been quiet chatter about his attitude and dedication. Toney was always going to be a difficult player to mesh seamlessly with an NFL offense due to his unique talent and playing style, but now, he has to show he can do that and stave off the threat of another unusual athlete for a new regime in New York. Toney has incredible ability with the ball in his hands but is already under pressure entering Year 2.

It should be noted that Toney is an incredible talent. His ability to make plays with the ball in his hands is unworldly and this was on full display when he tore up the Dallas Cowboys’ defense for 189 yards on 10 receptions.

However, as noted earlier, the problem has not been with Toney’s playing ability but rather his ability to stay on the field and show motivation to improve.

The Florida Gators product only appeared in 10 games (with four starts) for Big Blue last season where he totaled 39 catches and 420 yards.

It also does not help that the Giants already have three established receivers in the locker room: Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton. New York also selected Wan’Dale Robinson — who had gotten pre-draft comparisons to Toney — with the 43rd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Now Toney will have to prove his worth as he looks to carve out a spot in the new Giants regime.

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Giants’ Wan’Dale Robinson named a player who will disappoint in 2022

Bleacher Report lists New York Giants rookie WR Wan’Dale Robinson as a player who will disappoint in 2022.

The New York Giants selected Kentucky wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson with the 43rd overall pick in this year’s NFL draft. Many felt they would seek to add a playmaker in this draft but few (if any) predicted they would take Robinson and even fewer had him pegged to go in the second round.

The Giants want to surround quarterback Daniel Jones with as many playmakers as they can as he enters a ‘prove-it’ season.

Robinson is a dynamic player, a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ so to speak, and there are doubts about his size (5’8″, 178) and his ability to lift up a receiving corps that contains an underachieving Kenny Golladay, the inconsistent rookie Kadarius Toney and oft-injured veteran Sterling Shepard.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report has listed Robinson as one of his players “who won’t live up to the hype in 2022.”

Knox writes that Robinson “may be a couple of years away from being a star” and that the offense installed by new head coach Brian Daboll could take some time to kick in as it did in his previous stop in Buffalo behind quarterback Josh Allen.

The 2021 Bills ranked fifth in total offense with Allen leading the charge. In Daboll’s three previous offensive coordinator stops—with the 2010 Browns, 2011 Dolphins and 2012 Chiefs—his offenses ranked 29th, 22nd and 24th, respectively. Daniel Jones is not Allen, and New York should expect a more middle-of-the-pack offense than an elite one.

It’s going to take time for the Giants offense to really come together. It’s going to take time for Robinson to carve out a significant role. It all adds up to an underwhelming rookie campaign for New York’s second-round selection.

In addition, Knox points out that Robinson will have to fight for playing time and touches. That alone will make it difficult for him to stand out. The Giants are expected to throw the football short often, mainly to backs and tight ends, so that makes Robinson’s challenge just that much harder.

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7 things to watch for during Giants minicamp

The New York Giants will conduct their mandatory three-day minicamp this week, and here are seven things to keep an eye on.

The New York Giants will conduct their mandatory three-day minicamp this week at their facility in East Rutherford. There’s a ton of speculation heading into this season and it’s almost impossible to list all of the things we’ll be looking for.

With that having been said, here’s a list of seven things (of many) Giants fans should be keeping an eye on.

Bill Barnwell: Giants had one of league’s best offseasons

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes the New York Giants had one of the NFL’s best offseasons but argues it could have been better.

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As the NFL moves full steam ahead towards training camp, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has decided to take a moment to look back. He recently examined the offseason results for each team and determined that the New York Giants were among the league’s best roster builders.

As far as a specific ranking, Barnwell had the Giants at sixth-best overall.

Following the path the Bills took to calm down Josh Allen in Buffalo, Schoen brought in multiple players to try to replenish the offensive line, signing Mark Glowinski, Jon Feliciano and Max Garcia. Ricky Seals-Jones and Jordan Akins were brought in to rebuild the tight end room. Tyrod Taylor, another former Bills player, was signed to back up Jones. New York opted for quantity, and while that’s not a guarantee of success, its additions all came on reasonable deals.

Most importantly, after years of ignoring positional scarcity, the Giants focused on critical positions in the draft. Blessed with an extra first-round pick from the organization’s first trade down in a generation, the Giants used the No. 5 overall pick on edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and the No. 7 selection on offensive tackle Evan Neal. Schoen traded down twice in the second round and landed wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson. Smart teams use their premium picks to address the most valuable positions, and after years of using first-rounders to hit running back and nose tackle, the Giants seem to be more aware of positional scarcity.

That was the good news in the eyes of Barnwell, but that’s not to say general manager Joe Schoen & Co. completely hit it out of the park. There were some obvious mistakes and flubs, and decisions worthy of criticism.

One such decision was the release of veteran cornerback James Bradberry and everything that preceded it. Another eyebrow-raising decision was selecting Wan’Dale Robinson in Round 2, which was both praised and criticized by Barnwell.

I’m surprised they weren’t able to find a creative solution and pay some of [Bradberry’s] deal in 2022 to get a trade done, but I also recognize the cap mess was a problem the current regime inherited from the prior one. Remember that the Giants were forced to restructure some deals at the end of 2021 just to stay cap-compliant during the season.

Robinson plays a critical position, but it was curious to see them add a player who was regarded as a midround selection and referred to as more of a gadget weapon when they already have one of those on the roster in Kadarius Toney. There were rumors they might be interested in trading Toney or Saquon Barkley, which would make life harder for Jones in a make-or-break season.

So, what could the Giants have done to maximize their offseason further? In Barnwell’s mind, they could have signed a better backup quarterback than Tyrod Taylor to compete with Daniel Jones.

It’s fair to wonder whether Schoen should have brought in more competition at quarterback, given that Taylor has been either injured or ineffective for most of his post-Bills career. The Giants didn’t sign Bills backup Mitch Trubisky, who inked what is really a one-year, $6.3 million deal with the Steelers. Marcus Mariota was available when the Giants signed Taylor. Jones hasn’t been good as a pro, and while they haven’t had a great offensive line for his run, his numbers when unpressured have dropped across each of his first three seasons. New York hasn’t committed to Jones in 2023, but you can make a reasonable case it shouldn’t be locked into him as the starter in 2022, either.

Taylor has been a hard luck quarterback. He’s caught some of the worst breaks a player ever could but continues to grind away. And when he is called upon, he’s a quality asset and, at least in the opinion of those here at Giants Wire, a better option that Trubisky.

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Giants’ Darius Slayton on Wan’Dale Robinson: ‘Nobody is faster than me’

New York Giants WR Darius Slayton says Wan’Dale Robinson is “as advertised” but not quite as fast as the Auburn alum.

The New York Giants raised some eyebrows when they selected wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson in the second-round of the 2022 NFL draft. He was widely viewed as talented but over-drafted.

What’s done is done and the Giants have moved on from those questions and criticisms. Robinson has, too, and early returns have been positive.

The rookie has developed an early chemistry with quarterback Daniel Jones and seems to make at least one or two big plays in practice each day.

“He’s quick, he’s fast, he’s explosive. I would say he is as advertised,” fellow wide receiver Darius Slayton told reporters on Thursday.

Those are all the traits that drew general manager Joe Schoen toward Robinson. But despite his impressive 4.44 40-yard dash speed, Slayton cautioned against crowning Robinson the fastest player on the team.

“Nobody is faster than me, but he is fast,” Slayton added with a smile.

Slayton has an official 4.39 40-yard dash time on his resume, so he does edge Robinson out in straight-line speed. But either way, the combination along with Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard and Kadarius Toney gives the Giants a very talented group as receiver provided they can all stay healthy.

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