NY Giants draft TE Theo Johnson with Darren Waller's retirement up in the air
While everyone is still waiting to see what NY Giants tight end Darren Waller does this offseason, general manager Joe Schoen isn't wasting time in improving the TEs room. He's been busy doing that in recent months, with things continuing in Round 4 of the NFL Draft.
In the final day of the draft, Schoen was on the clock at pick No. 107 overall and he decided to go with Penn State's Theo Johnson. Johnson falling to the fourth round was a bit of a surprise, as he's known for being a quality blocker and pass-cathcer. Now, he'll look to make an impact for the G-Men starting in 2024.
The NY Giants selected Penn State TE Theo Johnson in the fourth round of the NFL Draft
Does this confirm that Waller has no plans to play next season? We don't want to jump the gun here, but if Schoen thought the former Pro Bowler would be suiting up come Week 1, do we really think he'd use a fourth-round pick on a tight end and not target another position?
Probably not. Johnson is quite the specimen, as he checks in at 6-6, 260 pounds. This past campaign for the Nittany Lions, he posted 34 receptions for 341 yards and seven touchdowns. If Waller does hang up his cleats, the thought of Johnson and Daniel Bellinger leading the TEs room sounds pretty rock solid for next fall.
Johnson has great speed for his size too, which is going to make him a solid option for Daniel Jones in the passing game. Waller has said that he's still taking time to make a decision, but as ESPN's Jordan Raanan noted, Schoen and Co. are working under the impression that he may not come back. If that's the case, then landing Johnson at No. 107 will look even better for Schoen once the season gets here.