The New York Giants have no shortage of offensive weapons.
Big Blue has one of the league’s best wide receivers in Odell Beckham Jr. and just added a game-changer to their backfield in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Saquon Barkley and Beckham are expected to shine under newly appointed head coach Pat Shurmur. But the New York Giants will need more than just two superstars if they are hoping to compete in the NFC East in 2018.
Giants first-year general manager Dave Gettleman has put an emphasis on winning in the trenches this offseason. His signings of Nate Solder and Patrick Omameh and his draft selections of Will Hernandez, B.J. Hill, and RJ McIntosh prove just that.
Under former general manager Jerry Reese, Big Blue’s offense was assembled similarly to a fantasy football squad. The additions of Evan Engram and Brandon Marshall last offseason left many fans scratching their heads given the team’s inability to block up front.
Gettleman has quickly put Reese’s failed strategy to rest this offseason. He has upgraded New York’s offensive line, defensive line, and linebacking corps, while making minimal moves with the receiving corps.
Gettleman did cut Brandon Marshall and Dwayne Harris this offseason. He also signed former Denver Broncos second-round pick Cody Latimer.
The signing received little buzz in the Big Apple. That’s also to be expected when the team is inking Solder to a blockbuster deal and acquiring a former second-team All-Pro, Alec Ogletree, through a trade.
How Does Latimer Fit?
Despite an emphasis on running a more well-balanced offense in 2018, the Giants are in need of improved play at wide receiver. Big Blue’s receiving corps recorded the most dropped passes (45) in the league in 2017.
Dropped passes by team in 2017 pic.twitter.com/9jG0MOjJbl
— PFF (@PFF) March 9, 2018
Injuries to Beckham, Marshall, and Sterling Shepard left the Giants shorthanded for most of the season. Shepard was limited to 11 games. Both Beckham and Marshall suffered season-ending ankle injuries in Week 5.
Engram and Roger Lewis stepped up in their absences. But both struggled to be reliable options for quarterback Eli Manning. The Giants are counting on Engram to develop in year two. Lewis is hoping to earn an expanded role after a career-year.
The biggest threat to Lewis is Latimer. Both will be vying for New York’s No. 3 receiving role.
New York Giants
Latimer says he’s looking to make the most of the opportunity, via New York’s team website.
"“I think it’s a big opportunity, but not just for me, for all the guys. Nothing is set in stone and we are all out here every day working and putting our best foot forward. At the end of the day, we are going to see what happens. We are all bringing it, and it is a great opportunity and I’m happy to have it and make the most of it.”"
Red Zone Threat
The Giants are in need of another red zone target after releasing Marshall. The hope is that Latimer can fill that need.
Beckham, Shepard, and Lewis are all listed at 6-feet or under. Engram and fellow tight end Rhett Ellison may be Manning’s best red zone options at 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-5 respectively.
Of course, OBJ is always threat in the end zone. He’s also not known for being a possession receiver that can box out opposing cornerbacks.
Latimer, on the other hand, was labeled as possession receiver coming out of Indiana. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound receiver didn’t live up to his high draft selection in Denver. But he also played behind Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders and dealt with sub-par quarterback play the past two seasons.
Latimer recorded a career-high 19 receptions for 287 yards and scored two touchdowns in 2017. He earned an “average” grade from Pro Football Focus, placing him ahead of most of New York’s receiving corps last season.
The Giants don’t need Latimer to put up jaw-dropping numbers. What they do need is a receiver that can make plays in the red zone and player that can reel in contested catches. Those are things he believes he can bring to the table.
"“You’ll get a physical receiver and a fast receiver, good hands, great hands, going to make plays on the ball.”"
Big Blue’s new wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert already knows what Latimer brings to an offense. The two spent the past four seasons together in Denver.
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In college, Latimer proved he could be a red zone threat. In his junior season, the Hoosiers receiver reeled in nine touchdown receptions.
The Giants don’t need another 1,000-yard receiver. They don’t need another human highlight reel like OBJ. What they do need is a reliable weapon that can make plays when needed, especially in the red zone.