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The New York Giants could use roster upgrades in a lot of places heading into the 2018 NFL Draft. Is tight end one of them? Let’s look.
The roster
Players lost: None
Players added: Kyle Carter, Ryan O’Malley
Current roster: Jerell Adams, Kyle Carter, Rhett Ellison, Evan Engram, Ryan O’Malley
Overview
Evan Engram was a surprise first-round selection by the Giants last season, and he justified the pick by turning in the best season of any of the 2017 rookie tight ends. He led the class in receptions (63), receiving yards (722), yards receiving per games (48.1) and receptions of 20 yards or more (11). The only tight end to ever have a more productive rookie season for the Giants was Jeremy Shockey, who caught 74 passes in 2002.
Rhett Ellison came over from the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent, and had a nice season. He is a good blocker and a reliable underneath target who caught a career-best 24 passes last season. The Giants are still hoping 2016 sixth-round pick Jerell Adams reaches his potential as a blocker and receiver.
Need/Targets
Honestly, I’d put need here as “none.” The Giants could snag someone in the middle to late portion of the draft if they find a player they simply can’t pass on, but they have no real need to “seek” a tight end from this draft class.
The NFL Draft Report has assessed both potential Day 1 tight end targets and players who could be selected on Days 2 and 3.