NY Giants rookie already looking like a stud in the making at OTAs
Unless a total stunner arrives, it's looking like NY Giants tight end Darren Waller is going to retire. It sucks knowing the former Pro Bowl TE is going to be one and done with the G-Men, with his trade not working out the way it was supposed to.
However, the Giants have clearly been focused on life without Waller, as they used a fourth-round pick on Penn State's Theo Johnson. Johnson falling to the fourth round was wild, with Joe Schoen taking full advantage of things. The latest report from East Rutherford is that Johnson has wasted no time in making a name for himself, which is great news knowing that Waller won't be back in '24.
Theo Johnson making a name for himself is great news for the NY Giants
"At the start of 11-on-11 drills, Tommy DeVito hit Theo Johnson for what would have been a first down. The next play, DeVito hit Darius Slayton on a slant for a first down.
- Giants.com's Matt Clark
Speaking of Johnson, the rookie tight end made several impressive catches on Tuesday, including one in a tight window for what would have been a first down. Later in practice, Johnson caught a pass from Drew Lock up the seam for a 20+ yard gain."
Johnson is going to have to play a bigger role in the offense with Waller out of the picture. Luckily, the 6-6, 250-pounder has loads of potential both as a blocker and a weapon for the aerial attack. With Daniel Bellinger battling injuries during his first two seasons too, having Johnson in East Rutherford is a bonus for the TEs room.
Last season for the Nittany Lions, the NY rookie posted 34 receptions for 341 yards and seven touchdowns. Sure, those numbers don't jump off the page, but Johnson has reliable hands and he has solid speed for his size too. He's making a splash at OTAs and more of the same will be great to see once minicamp and training camp arrive.
The Waller trade has proven to be a swing and a miss, but Johnson is going to do his best to help Big Blue supporters forget about that. Malik Nabers is obviously the biggest addition for the passing game, but Johnson is going to be a player to keep an eye on throughout the upcoming season as well.
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