Following the disaster that was the New York Giants' 2024 season, the front office has made some real strides to improve the offense. The quarterback room was completely overhauled through free agency and the draft. Real depth was added to the running back and wide receiver rooms. Plus, the offensive line is finally healthy and ready to go for the season opener.
One of the biggest question marks, however, is what the tight end situation will actually look like come Week 1. Fortunately for the G-Men, they might already have their answer.
Giants' tight end fix is already on the team
In Alex Ballentine's recent article for Bleacher Report, Ballentine laid out the biggest remaining needs for the Giants. Tight end was on the shortlist, and at first glance, it wasn't hard to see why. Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger, Chris Manhertz, and Greg Dulcich occupy the depth chart, but none scream "future star" or inspire true confidence.
However, looking at it more closely, fans, analysts, and pundits alike shouldn't be so quick to dismiss the potential this room has. There's a reason they didn't overhaul the TE group during the offseason.
To put it simply, Johnson is the guy. Before an injury derailed his rookie season, Johnson looked every bit the part he was hyped up to be — the latest hit in what’s shaping up to be an all-time 2024 draft class. In 12 games, Johnson had 29 catches for 331 yards and a touchdown. He looked not just like a security blanket for the quarterback, but a real threat at all levels of the field. If he comes back from injury the way he left, the Giants offense will be the closest we’ve seen to complete in a decade.
The Giants not only want Johnson to take the next step — they need him to. With another reliable threat for quarterbacks to look to, a lot of pressure can be taken off Malik Nabers. That’s huge because, after an all-time rookie campaign, every defensive coordinator will be focused on taking Nabers out of the game plan.
Johnson could be the answer to that problem. He has the opportunity to emerge not just as one of the better No. 2 options in the league, but as one of the best tight ends in football.
The time is now to see what Johnson will do when opportunity knocks. Hopefully, he answers the door.
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