The New York Giants are waiting for their Pro Bowl tight end, Darren Waller, to make a decision regarding his future in the NFL. Waller has to decide whether to continue playing in the NFL or retire. He missed voluntary OTAs.
The Giants prepared for the real possibility of him retiring by drafting a tight end.
The New York Giants drafted a tight end
The Giants drafted Theo Johnson in the 4th round, 107th overall of the 2024 NFL Draft.
He signed a rookie contract.
Theo Johnson signed a rookie contract
Johnson signed a 4-year rookie contract worth $4.85 million with a $831,436 signing bonus.
He played college football in Pennsylvania.
Theo Johnson played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions
Johnson committed to the Nittany Lions as a four-star recruit for the 2020 season. He would have a solid career with the team, playing 44 games and starting 29, with 77 receptions for 938 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Johnson played 13 games and started 13 in 2023, with 34 receptions for 341 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had a 55.9 run block grade, a 55.7 pass block grade, and a 62.5 PFF Grade.
Lance Zierlein did a scouting report on Theo Johnson
Lance Zierlein of NFL Network did a scouting report on Johnson.
“Highly recruited out of high school, Johnson looks the part with an above-average frame and traits. While teams might want to place him in an elevated silo for consideration, they might not find the consistency or high number of flashes on tape that they were expecting.
“Johnson’s run blocking is below average for his size, and adopting a glass-eating mentality in conjunction with technique work could help him improve in that area. He’ll make contested catches and is adequate against man coverage, but he lacks dynamic qualities as a pass catcher. Traits will work in his favor, but there is work to be done to become anything more than an average backup.”
There will be a TE competition regardless
There will be a TE competition this Summer even if Darren Waller doesn’t retire because the TE2/next man up spot is up for grabs. Theo Johnson will compete against Daniel Bellinger for that role.
Bellinger will be in his third year in the league and has 55 receptions for 523 yards and two touchdowns.
Who wins the competition? Bellinger or Johnson?
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