Can Amba Etta-Tawo be a factor in Giants’ WR competition?

Let’s continue our player-by-player profiles of the New York Giants 90-man roster by looking at one of the young receivers hoping to earn a spot with the team. That would be Amba Etta-Tawo, who starred at Syracuse during the 2016 season.

The basics

Age: 23
Experience: 1
Position: Wide receiver
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 208 pounds

2017 season in review

Joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent, but didn’t make the team. He spent some time of the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad, then finished the year on the Giants practice squad.

2018 season outlook

Etta-Tawo faces an uphill climb to make the Giants’ roster. Etta-Tawo played collegiately at Maryland and had a pedestrian career with 30 catches in two seasons. As a graduate transfer at Syracuse he blossomed, getting the attention of the NFL with a 94-catch, 1, 482-yard season. He still went undrafted. The Giants are banking on scouting reports like the one below from Pro Football Focus proving correct:

Etta-Tawo shot out of nowhere this season to become one of the most productive receivers in college football. But taking a closer look at his tape shows there’s a bit more to the story. Etta-Tawo has some skills, such as his quick release and good hands downfield which make him a viable deep threat. But his game lacks refinement and his lack of route running will be a concern for NFL teams. His Senior Bowl performance wasn’t as good as it could’ve been so he’ll likely see his stock fall a little. But Etta-Tawo does have some potential and could develop into a solid receiver down the road.

Can Etta-Tawo stand out in the large contingent of receivers vying for roster spots? We will find out this summer.