With Darren Waller’s potential retirement, the New York Giants tight end requirements were under pressure. The team drafted Theo Johnson as a fourth-round pick from Penn State. The team looks to utilize Theo Johnson as a balanced tight end, such as the more experienced TE1, Daniel Bellinger. Their tight end spot has been rough in recent history. Head Coach Brian Daboll speaks on the rookie’s progress this summer,
“Much like all the rookies, I would say, they’re continuing to learn how we do things,” Brian Daboll said. “They’re playing faster… They’re playing faster. When you know what to do, you’re allowed to do that. Plus, he’s big, he’s fast, and he hasn’t made a lot of mental errors for a rookie. We’ve lined him up in multiple spots and he’s been productive with the opportunities that he’s had.”
How will Theo Johnson fare with the New York Giants this season?
New York Giants Optimistic About Rookie Tight End
The team hopes Theo Johnson’s immediate playing time and his ability to block fulfill their strategic expectations for the tight end position. Despite what one might expect of a tight end his size, Theo Johnson entered the league as a blocker with potential, particularly against stiff competition. Rather than playing the slot, Johnson has spent time as the in-line tight end in the preseason. He was a strong blocker when being scouted at the combine this past offseason. The results haven’t been as promising. His blocking has been mediocre, and he has had one reception for four yards in two preseason games.
A Promising Collegiate Career
Johnson had 77 career receptions at Penn State for 938 yards and 12 touchdowns. According to NFL reports, he spent the first two weeks of training camp on the “physically unable to perform list due to a hip injury.” During his final collegiate season, Theo Johnson set career highs in receptions with 32 and receiving yards with 320. He also scored six touchdowns and averaged over 10.5 yards per reception.
A Confident Tight End Position
Theo Johnson is handling the transition into a new team environment with coolness and confidence. A trait that many head coaches like to see in their rookies. He had this to say about his progress this offseason.
“I think I’m definitely ready to have a role on this team, and I’m trying to show everyone that I’m capable of having a lot on my plate,” Johnson told the New York Post’s Peter Botte. “I’m learning as I go and continuing to improve. I still think there is a lot of meat on the bone, for sure. But I think I’m off to a good start.
“The biggest adjustment is probably the mental piece, for sure. There’s so much more volume, and the detail is so much greater than in college, especially at the tight end position where you’re asked to know so much.”
His humility and delayed start mark how much he has to learn. Johnson understands he should earn his place at the top by proving himself to be the most competitive option. Theo Johnson only has warm sentiments for his first-string competition,
“Daniel’s[Bellinger] a great dude, very unselfish, and he’s helped me out a ton with communication and just showing me the ropes. I think we’re similar in the fact that we’re not pigeon-holed; we’re both capable run blockers and pass catchers. So, I think we’re going to do a lot of great things together.”
Bellinger was in the same shoes as Johnson in 2022 as a fourth-round rookie. During Bellinger’s best year as a pro, he delivered 30 catches for 268 yards and two touchdowns, then peaked as Waller’s backup, locking in 28 receptions for 255 yards without a touchdown in 2023. Both options are pivotal to their dual-threat tight-end expectations for the depth chart. Theo Johnson’s respect should only foster success for the young player.
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