The New York Giants have encountered an early hurdle as they gear up for their rookie training camp. Fourth-round pick, tight end Theo Johnson, has been placed on the physically unable-to-perform (PUP) list, following a strong season at Penn State where he recorded 341 yards and seven touchdowns from 34 targets, boasting a 75.6% reception rate.
With the recent retirement of Darren Waller, the Giants’ reliance on Johnson and third-year tight end Daniel Bellinger to spearhead the tight end duties has intensified. Waller’s departure leaves a significant gap in the Giants’ receiving corps, but the team is hopeful that rookie Malik Nabers will help mitigate this loss.
Theo Johnson’s potential was on full display at the NFL Combine, where he secured second place in the athleticism score among tight ends and ranked fourth overall in his position. His impressive combine performance, highlighted by a 4.57-second 40-yard dash at 6’6″ and 249 pounds, caught the attention of many scouts. Despite initially being projected as a third-round pick, Johnson’s considerable size and potential as a dynamic receiving tight end made him a notable player to watch.
While Johnson is still honing his run-blocking skills, he has ample time to refine these abilities. The Giants are hopeful that he will recover swiftly from his current injury and rejoin the team in time for the summer off-season program, ready to contribute to their offensive strategy.
The Giants’ tight end room now faces a critical juncture. With Johnson sidelined and Waller retired, Daniel Bellinger will need to step up as the primary tight end. Bellinger, entering his third year, has shown promise but will now be tasked with a more significant role in the offense.
Rookie Malik Nabers, known for his explosive playmaking ability, is also expected to take on an expanded role to help fill the void left by Waller. Nabers’ integration into the offensive scheme will be crucial as the Giants aim to maintain a balanced and effective passing attack.
As the Giants navigate this setback, the focus will be on getting Theo Johnson healthy and ready for action. His development as a receiving tight end and improvement in run-blocking will be essential for the Giants’ offensive plans. The team remains optimistic about Johnson’s recovery and potential impact once he returns to the field.
In the meantime, the Giants will rely on their remaining tight ends and wide receivers to step up and fill the gaps, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming season.