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NY Giants Tight End Rhett Ellison Makes a Difference

@NYGiantsRush

The New York Giants have not been a run first team probably since Ahmad Bradshaw‘s days.   The passing weapons that Eli Manning currently has is beyond impressive.  One would say if Eli Manning is standing upright, the Giants have a very high-powered offense capable of shooting it out with any team.

Left Tackle, Ereck Flowers who has been at the center of this endless debate of “protection” has to get better.  Flowers, coming into his third year should be able to make strides leaning on his experience and off-season training.

However, flying below the radar is what might be considered the Giants most strategic off-season move…the signing of TE/FB Rhett Ellison.  In 2012 Ellison was drafted in the fourth round by the Vikings from the USC.  He has reputation as a formidable blocker at 6’5″ 250 lbs.  The Giants brass recognize the valued in Ellison and signed him to a four-year, $18 million contract.

Devon Kennard said, “Rhett is one of best blockers at TE I’ve ever gone against college or pros! We bout to have some battles in camp!”

He graded out at 70.8 grade as a pass blocker and a 62.5 grade as a run blocker

Ellison will make an immediate impact locking down the outside regardless of what side he lines up on.   This will give Coach McAdoo and Sullivan and opportunity to run two Tight End sets with 1st Round Pick Evan Engram releasing into the seam giving Engram additional looks outside the slot formations.

The Giants are committed to Flowers, but were not afraid to give him help.  Additionally, Ellison is getting paid nicely for a non-pass catching Tight End to blow open holes for Paul Perkins and company.   This is clearly an opportunity for the Giants to put additional emphasis on the running game or a (semi) balanced attack.

There are currently 6 Tight Ends listed on the Giants roster.

  1. Even Engram – 1st Rd. pick 2017
  2. Rhett Ellison – FA Agent Signing
  3. Will Tye – UDFA 2015
  4. Matt LaCosse – UDFA 2015
  5. Jerell Adams – 6th Rd. pick 2016
  6. Colin Thompson – UDFA 2017

Reese does not give up on draft picks very often, so I would expect Adams to make the team.  Will Tye who had some nice plays last year, but struggles with blocking and Matt LaCosse are on the bubble.

Colin Thompson, while a big kid at 260 lbs, has only caught 19 balls in 3 years of college at Temple.  Tye, LaCosse and Thompson could all be looking for work.