Can Rhett Ellison exceed initial expectations with the New York Giants?
Big Blue may have a potentially inspired free-agency acquisition ready to contribute to a response on offense in 2017.
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison arrived in East Rutherford tipped to be little more than a viable blocking outlet, yet already appears to be a far more versatile option than first expected.
The tight end teamed up with the New York Giants as a free agent in March and has since been hailed as a crucially polar opposite prospect to first-round draft pick Evan Engram. A prominent and experienced blocker to complement a rookie tight-end equipped to give Eli Manning a fresh target.
Five years after being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, the 28-year-old now finds himself with only his second team in his NFL career. He faces a tough, but undoubtedly welcomed task of making a leap in New York.
A new start means not only adapting to a new playbook and new teammates, but also unfamiliar surroundings. Success for Ellison rests on the manner in which he buys into a driven organization seeking another rise to the top. He faces a rookie-esque need to make an early statement.
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The Giants opting to select Engram with the 23rd overall pick has somewhat elevated Ellison’s purpose and importance in Ben McAdoo’s system. This dynamic has partially helped ease the Mississippi product into the responsibility of protecting his quarterback.
Besides his value to the young tight end, Ellison similarly promises to be greeted with open arms by the offensive line. That unit is under pressure to improve significantly on a 2016 season in which Manning was afforded little time to operate.
Ellison’s arrival addresses a positional need on the Giants team, not to mention introducing another useful veteran presence.
He was predominantly brought into block, and that’s exactly what he’s been doing so far.
New Versatility for the New York Giants
Training camp has already seen Ellison turn a few heads thanks to his added work in the fullback role.
While this is a move McAdoo has, admittedly, explained he will be experimenting with for each of his tight ends, it is one that reaffirms just how useful Ellison’s versatility can be.
Though it can be argued his 6-5 frame prevents him from featuring regularly at fullback, he still carries the potential to be a key contributor when it comes to aiding the Giants running game.
His responsibilities won’t settle at granting Manning the time to make use of his receiving options, but also see him help second-year running back Paul Perkins enjoy a standout season as starter.
McAdoo’s alternative focus on helping Engram develop his blocking expertise has also introduced the possibility of Ellison building on his secondary purpose.
51 catches and three touchdowns in five years with the Vikings fails to sell him as a receiving target. The need to make amends for a disappointing 2016 on offense, however, means there is a good chance he’ll be expected to add to that record at some point.
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Making strides on offense doesn’t stop with the trio of Odell Beckham, Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard having a significant impact, nor does it stop with Engram making key plays.
Becoming Less Predictable
A desire to implement a more dynamic approach invites some deception, some unpredictability. Ellison making catches qualifies as something unexpected, which is why McAdoo himself has no intentions of overlooking the possibility.
"McAdoo told Giants.com: “I think he has been underutilized in the pass game. We are going to use him a little bit more and give him some opportunities there. He has certainly shown he moves like a football player in space, so I don’t see any reason why he can’t be a contributor.”"
If Manning translates supposedly his strongest training camp in years into on-field dominance come September, a productive Ellison could boost an offensive revival even further.
He may not dominate the headlines in the same way those ahead of him will, but he certainly has the tools to make a vital impact to how the 2017 season pans out for the New York Giants.
An early contender for the “‘unsung hero” title, perhaps?