Giants Larry Donnell is not a ‘fluke’

Sep 25, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) catches the ball to score a touchdown as Washington Redskins strong safety Bashaud Breeland (26) defends in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY SportsWhile perusing the Giants talk on Twitter today, one tweet really caught my eye from Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) a current NFL network analyst and former NFL scout.

I love when somebody backs up what I have been seeing with my own eyes. I remember being impressed by Donnell when I saw him live at camp last season. At 6’6, 265lbs, Donnell clearly stands out when you are watching him on the field. Coming out of college his slow 40 yard dash time (4.96) most likely really hurt any chance he had at being drafted. However, sometimes 40 times can be deceptive, some players just have better game speed. As Jeremiah points out, Donnell’s burst and quickness has really been on display so far this season.

According to Pro Football Focus, the leading NFL grading site, Donnell is tied for the top overall grade at tight end this season. Donnell has been targeted by Eli 31 times and catching 25 of those, an 80.6 catch percentage.

If Jeremiah is correct, and Donnell is truly turning into a star, the Giants are lucky that due to only having two years of NFL experience Donnell will be an exclusive rights free agent at the end of the year. What this means in layman turns is the Giants will only need to offer Donnell a veteran minimum contract to keep him, although if he keeps this up they will most likely look to lock him up long term.

So, Giants fans, do you agree with Daniel Jeremiah’s assessment of Larry Donnell or do you believe he is a fluke? Let us hear it in the comments below!