New York Giants: Five Reasons Eli Manning Should Have A Career-Year
5. The Weapons At Wide Receiver
On paper, the 2017 roster will consist of the best receiving corps Eli Manning has ever played with. With two All-Pro wide receivers and a rising star in the slot, Manning will have three high-quality options on every possession—all of whom can get themselves open.
Manning will still need to make the right throws at the right times, but the combination of Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall, and Sterling Shepard ranks amongst the league’s elite.
Beckham has become a household name as one of the most dynamic talents in the history of the wide receiver position. At 5’11”, Beckham is producing at a level comparable to one of the most physically dominant individuals of all-time: Randy Moss.
Beckham is one of just three players in NFL history to record at least 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons, joining the 6’1″ John Jefferson and the the 6’4″ Moss.
Odell Beckham Jr. joined John Jefferson & Randy Moss as only WR in NFL history w/ 1,000 rec. yds & 10 TD catches in each of 1st 3 seasons pic.twitter.com/7xrHgTNLya
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 19, 2016
Beckham is the only player in NFL history to record at least 80 receptions and 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons
Working opposite Beckham will be Marshall, who has upwards of 12,000 career receiving yards and led the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 2015. Marshall achieved the latter feat with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback, which is a statement unto itself.
Add in Shepard, who recorded eight receiving touchdowns as a rookie, and Eli Manning will have three legitimate go-to options at wide receiver in 2017.