Gilbride: Giants Still Figuring Out What They Have At Tight End

Kevin M. Gilbride is in his third season coaching tight ends for the New York Giants, and his seventh on the staff. He was asked during media availability on Wednesday whether the current group of tight ends was the deepest during his tenure.

“I think so as far as the different skill sets they bring to the table. We’re still trying to figure out who they are. The development that Jerell (Adams) has had, the development that Will Tye has had. Who they were last year isn’t necessarily who they’re going to be this year. That’s the exciting thing because there is a lot of competition. We’ll see how they progress,” Gilbride said. “They have to compete. Not just with themselves as a group but with other offensive players and some of the defensive players as well. You never know how your team is going to shake out.”

The tight end wasn’t featured much in the Giants’ offense last season. Gilbride said he hoped that would change during the upcoming season.

“You’re figuring out what your team is right now. I can’t speak on specifics but the more you can change up your personnel groupings during the game, the better off your going to be. The more the defense has to prepare for you,” Gilbride said. “Last year, we were predominantly three wide receivers, a tight end and a running back. That doesn’t give the defense that much to have to prepare for. The fact that we’ve added additional pieces is certainly going to help us.”

Here are a few takeaways from Gilbride on individual players.

On first-round pick Evan Engram ...

Gilbride said the 234-pound Engram “can block” and that it is “important to him.”

“He shows a very much so willingness to block and to finish and strain the way we’re asking our guys to strain. Again, that’s not pads so that’ll change things to an extent, but I don’t see him backing down. He has a toughness and a willingness to go against anyone on our defense and I’m hoping that remains through the course of this season.”

On Rhett Ellison ...

“He’s been sidelined but everything that we’ve seen from him previously and the work that we’ve seen in phase two, he brings a lot to the table. He’s a veteran guy that has played a lot of football. He’s very bright and he works his butt of as far as the understanding of the playbook. He can catch more than he’s shown from a statistic standpoint. He has good routes and is a good run blocker as everyone knows.”