The New York Giants finally solved their tight end problem last offseason by signing Isaiah Likely. Well, kind of. While Likely is technically listed as a tight end, he's truly more of a slot receiver in Matt Nagy's offense. Theo Johnson is still the one manning the classic "Y" tight end role.
Johnson's spot might not be safe for long, though. The 2027 NFL Draft class holds a couple of enticing tight end prospects who could replace him in a heartbeat.
CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson has the Giants taking one of those prospects in his latest mock draft. Wilson paired LSU's Trey'Dez Green with the G-Men, saying, "I love the idea of giving Jaxson Dart both Isaiah Likely and Green as pass-catching options."
If Johnson doesn't prove his value throughout the rest of the 2026 season, Big Blue shouldn't hesitate to take a player like Green.
Giants' Theo Johnson is on the hot seat with a strong draft class looming
After a mini-breakout in 2025, Johnson has been disappointing this season. In five games, he has just four catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. His score was electric, but he has continued to struggle with consistency.
As Likely has emerged in New York's offense, Johnson has taken a backseat. He's primarily used as a blocker, but he hasn't been especially effective in that area, either. This season, he's posted a PFF run-blocking grade of just 35.6, which ranks last among 102 tight ends with at least 30 run-blocking snaps.
If Johnson can't make an impact as a receiver and he isn't a force in the running game, the Giants have no reason to continue featuring him. He'll enter the last year of his rookie deal next season, and so far, he hasn't earned an extension.
Trey'Dez Green offers Giants a perfect Theo Johnson replacement
If Green is available when Big Blue is on the clock next April, Johnson isn't keeping Joe Schoen from pulling the trigger.
The LSU tight end is a freak of nature. He's 6'7" and 240 pounds, and he has the speed to beat defenders over the top. Green is a monster with the ball in the air. He hauled in 60% of his contested-catch opportunities last season.
To fit with the Giants, Green would have to prove himself as a blocker. He's a bit undersized for an NFL in-line tight end, though he has already put on weight since last season. He often loses the leverage battle at the line of scrimmage due to his lean frame.
If he can grow as a run-blocker in the coming weeks, Green will give the G-Men an easy reason to bump Johnson down the depth chart.
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