An offseason of nonstop buzz understandably had New York Giants fans excited about tight end Isaiah Likely’s arrival, especially when training camp kicked off last week.
Saturday’s practice reminded us that, for all of the warranted hype, Likely isn’t the only tight end expected to play a big role. Veteran Chris Manhertz and potential rising star Theo Johnson both reportedly impressed throughout the session, with Big Blue Nation’s Ed Valentine reporting that Johnson caught a deep ball over cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse.
As for Manhertz, he’s typically used as an extra blocker. The 34-year-old had only a seven-yard reception in 208 offensive snaps last year, but caught three balls on Saturday.
“So, he has met his quota,” Valentine quipped.
Theo Johnson and Chris Manhertz only help the Giants’ tight ends room
Among the smartest moves that Joe Schoen made this offseason was letting Daniel Bellinger walk and take over $14 million in guaranteed money from the Titans. That’s at least double what I’d personally have given Bellinger, who provides a far greater impact as a blocker. Although the Giants often used him in the passing game, that’s still far too much money to commit to a second tight end.
Instead, they brought in Likely, who flashed during his four years playing for John Harbaugh in Baltimore. Pairing him with Johnson — who had 45 catches, 528 yards, and five touchdowns in 15 games — ideally provides Jaxson Dart with two safety blankets.
Neither Johnson nor Manhertz is a household name among football fans, and the latter’s only chance might be an improbable catch. There’s a reason why David Tyree is always mentioned on the list of greatest Super Bowl moments. Who cares that he had just 54 career regular-season catches?
Although the odds don’t favor Manhertz becoming a frequent target for Dart, what’s stopping Harbaugh and Matt Nagy from at least experimenting? The Giants’ receiver issues are well documented, though Malik Nabers is at least practicing on a limited workload. Barring any setbacks, Nabers should be a full go for Week 1, and he likely wouldn’t be on a snap count.
Don’t sleep on Johnson, though. Harbaugh loves two-tight-end sets, and Likely was the TE2 behind Mark Andrews in Baltimore. Johnson could easily have an opportunity to match last year’s stats even if he’s no longer the top tight end. His familiarity with Dart only bolsters his chances of frequently contributing as a receiver.
For as hard as the national media tried to intervene, the good vibes surrounding the Giants have followed them to training camp. Leave it to a 34-year-old blocking tight end and a fourth-round pick to have people feeling so optimistic.
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