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New York Giants TE Matt LaCosse Making A Push For A Roster Spot

By Christopher Schwarz

Nov 29, 2014; Evanston, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini tight end Matt LaCosse (11) with the ball during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Illinois won 47-33. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2014; Evanston, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini tight end Matt LaCosse (11) with the ball during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Illinois won 47-33. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Eli Manning has been known to make stars out of lesser-known tight ends and Matt LaCosse is hoping he’s on deck. LaCosse was cut twice as a rookie and even worked part-time selling roofing designs before he signed with the New York Giants in November. Well, he has been making plays for the all spring and got some well-earned first team reps at OTAs on Wednesday.

The Giants have an interesting situation at tight end right now. Larry Donnell was the starter in 2015 before succumbing to a neck injury that kept him sidelined. Will Tye filled in and showed promise for a guy from Stony Brook and figures to see major playing time this season. Jerry Reese drafted Jerell Adams in the fifth round who ESPN’s Todd McShay believes could have the “highest ceiling” of all TEs in this rookie class. Reese also signed a tight end/fullback hybrid in Will Johnson who figures to occupy a roster spot. So where does LaCosse fit in?

Ben McAdoo believes, as with most of the other positions on the roster, TE will be an open competition. “We have a lot of guys going in and out of there and trying to show what they can do and we’re going to give a lot of looks at those two groups and we’re counting on the cream rising to the top.”

LaCosse did his best cream impression this week. On Wednesday, he lined up on the right and made a leaping grab over safety Landon Collins deep down the right sideline. On Thursday, LaCosse could a back shoulder pass in the endzone.

LaCosse caught all three balls thrown at him last season, but he’s got another factor going for him. Jordan Raanan of NJ.com maintains that LaCosse is the best blocking tight end on the Giants roster, something that’s been missing since Daniel Fells went down with an MRSA infection.

This summer is a golden opportunity for LaCosse to make an impression on the coaching staff and earn a roster spot. Ed Valentine of Big Blue View believes it may be a toss up between LaCosse and Donnell as Tye, Adams and Johnson figure to be locks. Valentine believes Donnell’s injury history and struggles blocking will work against him at decision time.

The practice squad is an option for LaCosse, but he has his sights set higher.

“I really think everyone in our room can be a starter,” LaCosse said.

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