The Giants Wide Receiver Corp’s performance in 2019 can be summarized in one word: inconsistent.
Injury Concerns
Giants receivers were plagued with injuries, resulting in Sterling Shepard missing six games and Golden Tate missing one game. Additionally, Tate missed four games due to a suspension relating to him violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
About a week ago, it was reported that Tate injured his lower back in practice during a 1-on-1 drill, but the team is taking his status one day at a time, and his activity level in Thursday’s practice will be an indicator if he is ready to play or not.
With so many games being missed due to injuries and suspension, the passing game never reached its full potential and was mostly inconsistent throughout the year.
An Emerging Star
Darius Slayton, the Giants fifth-round selection in the 2019 draft, showed glimpses of promise as he recorded 740 yards and 15.4 yards per catch.
Slayton, however, followed the theme of inconsistency and was not a reliable passing option week in and week out.
A New Look in the Passing Game
Photo: —The Giants’ wide receiving corp is expected to look slightly different this year. Without a traditional no. 1 option, the three starting receivers, Tate, Slayton, and Shepard, are expected to be rotated in the slot and outside positions.
Due to injury concerns, Tate is projected to mostly line up in the slot and take fewer snaps than Slayton and Shepard, who will play from the outside positions.
With all three options being dynamic playmakers, the Giants wide receiving corp is looking solid if everyone can stay healthy throughout the duration of the season. Slayton is coming off an eight touchdown year, which was tied for the most by any rookie in 2019, Tate is a savvy veteran player that adds experience to an otherwise young offense, and Shepard is expected to be productive as he has been (when healthy) since 2016.
The 2020 season will act as a true test for a shaky Giants wide receiving corp.
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