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New York Giants: Tight Ends To Consider In 2017 NFL Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) catches a pass for a first down in front of Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Manny Rugamba (5) at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa beat Michigan 14 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) catches a pass for a first down in front of Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Manny Rugamba (5) at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa beat Michigan 14 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

Jake Butt, Michigan Wolverines

Age: 21 (7/11/1995)
Class: Senior
Height & Weight: 6’5″ & 250 pounds
2016 Season Statistics: 46 receptions, 546 yards, 4 touchdowns

Jake Butt suffered a torn ACL during the first half of the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30, 2016—the second time he’s endured said injury. That will inevitably hurt his draft stock, but there’s very little question in NFL circles pertaining to whether or not Butt has the necessary talent to be a star.

If Butt slips down draft boards and Jerry Reese has filled the other pressing needs, it would behoove the New York Giants to take a chance on his upside.

Butt’s health will be the hottest of topics leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft, but his ability and potential remain intriguing. He’s a 6’6″ and 250-pound target with great hands and an uncanny ability to make plays in the open field.

With big hands that allow him to make plays in traffic, as well as respectable fundamentals as a blocker, Butt has the tools to overcome this injury.

The red flag is that a major aspect of Butt’s appeal was his speed, agility, and acceleration when running routes and making plays after the catch. It stands to reason that he could maintain his athleticism, but it’s also possible that he’ll lose a step after such a severe injury.

When a player has the character and raw ability that Butt possesses, it’s imply impossible to write the 2016 John Mackey Award winner off as an option for the Giants.

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