After the way the 2022 season played out, the New York Giants needed to upgrade the weapons around Daniel Jones this offseason.
General manager Joe Schoen and the Giants’ front office did just that — not just in free agency but via trade and in the draft as well.
The free agent market was scarce at wide receiver so Schoen got creative, making their biggest splash on a trade to acquire tight end Darren Waller.
Despite the additions, Pro Football Focus ranked the Giants’ pass catchers near the bottom of the league.
25. NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants receiving room is deep, but the ceiling feels limited, at least compared to other teams. Isaiah Hodgins came on strong at the end of last season, earning a 74.5 receiving grade from Week 13 on. They also have Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell, Wan’Dale Robinson, Sterling Shepard and the newly-drafted Jalin Hyatt. Daniel Bellinger was a reliable tight end option but wouldn’t be categorized as a focal-point player. It’s a deep room that is still searching for its star WR1.
DeAndre Hopkins lingers on the free agent market, but his price tag is too rich for the Giants, so it’s likely they’re done adding anything major to the wide receiver room.
The Giants’ offense will heavily feature Saquon Barkley and Darren Waller. Even though they did not add a No.1 receiver, they did improve their wide receiver group by adding Jalin Hyatt and Parris Campbell, both of whom provide additional speed at the position.
Still, there are plenty of questions regarding the Giants’ pass catchers. Can Waller stay healthy? Can Sterling Shepard and Wan’Dale Robinson come back strong from injury? Can Isaiah Hodgins improve upon his performance from his first year with the team?
The Giants offense should be improved in 2023 and the pass catchers are certainly a reason why. Still, lacking a true No. 1 wide receiver is likely the reason they are so low on PFF’s list.
