By Michael Stewart/@TheTruthNYG
GM Joe Schoen has added a total of 5 wide receivers through free agency and in the draft and with a total of 14 currently on the roster, many who follow the Giants are questioning if Schoen did enough? The top 4 receivers from last season (Golladay/Shepard/Toney/Slayton) all lost time in 2021 due to injuries and although Schoen did bring in 5 new faces, only 2nd round draft pick Wan’Dale Robinsons figures to see ample playing time. Let’s take a closer look at each wide receiver on the current roster:
- Kenny Golladay: Golladay was Dave Gettleman biggest free agent signing from outside the organization and his first season as a Giant is one he will want to forget. Golladay finish the season with 0 touchdowns (not a misprint) 37 receptions for only 521 yards. Not what you expect from your #1 WR.
- Kadarius Toney: Rookie season in 2021 only included 10 games (injury) with 0 touchdowns, 39 receptions for only 420 yards and 189 of them came in one game.
- Sterling Shepard: Shepard played in only 7 games in 2021 and finished with 1 touchdown with 36 receptions for 366 yards.
- Darius Slayton: Slayton had the most durable among the top 4 receivers by playing in 13 games with 2 touchdowns for 336 yards on 26 receptions.
- Wan’Dale Robinson: Extremely undersized receiver (5’8) but well built who was taken an round too soon by many draft experts. Robinson is best described as a gadget receiver who could excel in the Giants new offensive system.
- David Sills: Sills had a limited role playing in four games in 2021 and finished with 2 receptions for 17 yards. With all the new additions, the odds are stacked against him.
- Robert Foster: Foster has been well traveled with the Giants being his 6th team. Foster has nice size and above speed, but needs to really have a lights out training camp to even be considered an opening day roster spot.
- C.J Board: Board only had 4 receptions for 51 yards and was re-signed strictly for his ability to be an exceptional gunner on special teams; which will be his role in 2022.
- Khalil Dorsey: Dorsey spent time with the Baltimore Ravens over the last two seasons and will try to win a roster spot with the Giants, but could be a victim of the numbers game.
- Collin Johnson: Johnson was signed during the 2021 season due to the rash of injuries at the wide receiver position and finished with 11 receptions for 105 yards.
- Alex Bachman: Bachman appears in 3 games in 2021 and didn’t record a single reception. This could be Bachman’s final training camp with the Giants.
- Travis Toivonen: Toivonen spent time on the Giants practice squad in 2021 and will look to make the final roster. Odds are against him despite showing good size and ability.
- Austin Proehl: Proehl was part the Buffalo Bills Practice Squad in 2021 and will look to win a spot on the final roster, but will likely be added to the Giants practice squad.
- Richie James: James was signed in the off season after 3 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers totaling 38 receptions for 689 yards and 3 touchdowns. James also specializes in special teams.
How bad were the Giants wide receivers in 2021? Well, when you consider that LT Andrew Thomas had more touchdown receptions than Golladay and Toney combined, there’s no need to go further than that. In past years, the Giants would carry 6 receivers on their opening day roster, but we could see them carry possibly 7 in 2022. As I stated in my opening paragraph, injuries will play a key role as to whether or not the Giants wide receiver group will be productive in 2022. New HC Brian Daboll and OC Mike Kafka are hoping that their new offensive will kick start the Giants offense, but avoiding major injuries is a big factor to the success for the Giants offense in 2022. Keep an eye out for my next article spotlighting the Tight Ends.