With the 2014-15 mini camps under way, the New York Giants will have many players battling for a roster spot at many different positions.
However; the one position that is wide open arguably more than any other position is the TE spot. The Giants haven’t had stability at the TE position since Jeremy Shockey, although they have had serviceable players over the past few years in Kevin Boss, Jake Ballard and Martellus Bennett.
Let’s list the candidates:
Adrien Robinson (6’4/270): Robinson was drafted in the 4th round in the 2012 NFL draft and is considered the front-runner at this point. Injuries have played a large part in the lack of development and playing time thus far for Robinson.
However; according to GM Jerry Reese (who labeled Robinson as the TE of Jason Pierre Paul) “We really think this guy has a huge upside. He is a big, big man [with] long arms. He didn’t catch a lot of balls for them. But he is kind of a late bloomer who has really come on. And we think this guy is kind of a JPP of tight ends. We like these kind of people.”
He has all the physical tools you want in a tight end, and he has had the time to sit and learn the position. If he can live up to his potential and avoid the injury bug, Robinson could take NFC East, and maybe even the league, by storm this year.
Kellen Davis (6’7/265): Size and strength hasn’t been the issue with Davis throughout his NFL career; but rather production. Drafted in 2008 by the Chicago Bears, Davis has only 50 receptions during that time. Primarily a blocking TE, Davis is a lot like Bears Pascoe with a little bit athletic ability. Very steady and reliable in the trenches and is by far the best blocking TE on the Giants roster.
Larry Donnell (6’6/269): Donnell caught the attention of Coach Coughlin last pre-season and the TE out of Grambling State has become a forgotten player among the TE competition. However; many in the Giants organization really likes this kid and his work ethics.
Donnell has displayed athleticism and good football IQ during his short time at the NFL level. These attributes will go a long way with the coaching staff.
Daniel Fells (6’3/252): Fells did not play in the NFL last season, however; in 2012 played with the Patriots (13 games). His best season was in 2010 with the Rams with 41 receptions and 391 yards. Like Davis, Fells has NFL experience; which should go a long way with Coach Coughlin.
Xavier Grimble (6’4/257): Grimble is the dark horse in this group and will impress the coaching staff with his overall ability. Grimble has the size and strength of a well-rounded tight end who could develop further into a solid TE in the NFL. As expected, Grimble has some rough edges in his game, hopefully; he will get enough opportunity to showcase his potential and make the Giants roster.
As I mentioned in my opening paragraph, the TE position is arguably the most wide open position this season. The TE’s mentioned above, made not be household names or potential All-Pro’s. The Giants will most likely keep three of the 5 and should have the TE position solidified by committee .
Michael Stewart | NYGiantsRush Contributor