It only took 2 games for Isaiah Hodgins to affirm what Giants fans have been saying

Beyond Malik Nabers, the New York Giants' receiving corps leaves much to be desired. Wan'Dale Robinson's emergence as a more well-rounded player is noteworthy, and Darius Slayton is a respectable ancillary piece. Nevertheless, they aren't loaded at the position whatsoever and could’ve certainly benefited from having Isaiah Hodgins from the jump of the 2025 NFL campaign.

Frankly, Hodgins should’ve probably never been on the roster bubble last offseason, which has shown in his first two games since rejoining the Giants. He’s been an instant difference-maker for them upon poaching him from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad.

The numbers in New York’s 34-27 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions didn’t pop off the screen, but Hodgins' highlight-reel touchdown grab certainly turned heads.

What did Giants general manager Joe Schoen and the club's talent evaluation staff see (or not) that drove them to go in a different direction? Hodgins was signed just 10 days before their date with the Lions and has quickly reasserted himself as a reliable option in New York.

Isaiah Hodgins needed just 2 games to show Giants what they've been missing

Many fans have been wondering why Hodgins didn't make the Giants' 53-man group in 2024 since it happened. Then, they had a chance to bring him back late this summer after getting released by the San Francisco 49ers. Yet, it took Lil'Jordan Humphrey landing with the Denver Broncos midseason for the Giants to rekindle this old flame.

Keep in mind that Nabers suffered a torn ACL and meniscus nearly two months before Humphrey latched onto the Broncos. Slayton has also missed multiple contests with a hamstring issue. In other words, the G-Men have desperately needed reinforcements, which Hodgins has proven capable of providing.

Hodgins led the Giants in receptions (five) and receiving yards (57) versus the Green Bay Packers. He then made an incredible effort for a critical red zone score against Detroit. The 27-year-old has given quarterback Jameis Winston (and eventually rookie standout Jaxson Dart) a much-needed big-bodied target with strong hands and good ball skills.

Big Blue Nation has known what Hodgins can do ever since his breakout 2022 Divisional Round performance. He was instrumental to the Giants' shocking road playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings. Yet, oddly, New York hasn't really allowed him to parlay that into a full-time role.