Heading into the NFL offseason, it was clear that the Giants needed a number 1 receiver. The only issue is that the receivers on the open market didn’t exactly fit that mold.
Quite frankly, if they were a true number 1 receiver already, they wouldn’t be on the open market.
Instead of overspending on a receiver, Joe Schoen took a different approach. This approach led to what will undoubtedly be the most interesting position group to watch come training camp.
The Giants’ first order of business was bringing back some receivers from last year’s team. These players included Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, and Sterling Shepard. All of these receivers were brought back on reasonable deals. Joe Schoen then added to the room by bringing in a number of other receivers on team-friendly deals, such as Parris Cambell, Jamison Crowder, and Jeff Smith.
The Giants also already have Wan’Dale Robinson on the roster, who will be coming back at some point this season from a torn ACL. The final step in adding to this room was drafting Jalin Hyatt out of Tennessee in the 3rd round.
The thing about this group is that there are 2 aspects to figure out during training camp:
Who will start on the front end of this group, and who will be cut on the back end?
The reports out of the minicamp are that the leading 3 receivers in the starting lineup are Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, and Parris Campbell. This makes sense, but there are players behind them that the Giants have investments in. Jalin Hyatt was a 3rd round pick that they will want to feature.
Wan’Dale Robinson
In last year’s draft, the Giants took Wan’Dale Robinson in the 2nd round. Before tearing his ACL, he was playing well. How the Giants find a way to feature these 2 will be fascinating. On the back end, seeing who makes this team will be intriguing.
Sterling Shepard
Sterling Shepard is the longest-tenured Giant who, when healthy, is arguably the best receiver on this team, but health is an obvious issue.
Jamison Crowder
Jamison Crowder is a veteran who has been a very good NFL player in the past.
Jeff Smith
Jeff Smith is a big special teams player; how the Giants decide who claims that last receiver spot will be one of the main things to observe during final cuts.
Joe Schoen took what looks like a smart approach to solve his receiver issue:
Instead of signing 1 big name, the Giants’ front office took a “More the Merrier” approach, and how that shakes out in training camp will be fascinating.
Photo: Giants.com
