On his possible retirement, veteran tight end Darren Waller is yet to make an official declaration, which the New York Giants are expecting. There is a slim chance that Waller will still be playing in 2024 because he has been taking his time to settle personal issues before making a choice.
The Future of Darren Waller with the Giants Is Uncertain
The Giants would therefore have two starting tight ends and a number of depth players vying for roster places if Waller were to depart, as is now expected. Despite playing little in the passing game the previous season, Daniel Bellinger is guaranteed a spot in the starting lineup. He will likely play a bigger role in the Giants’ offensive plans going forward. Theo Johnson, who just started playing, will probably be targeted more frequently as well.
Theo Johnson, who was chosen in the fourth round of the draft, is a strong 6’6′′ and 264 pounds, making him a perfect tight end. With 341 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in his final season at Penn State, he proved to be especially effective in the red zone.
Theo Johnson’s Possible Effect
Last season, Johnson had a 75.6% reception rate; 38.1% of his snaps came from the slot, while 48.1% were in line. He gained 170 yards after the catch out of his 341 total yards, averaging 5 yards per reception in that category. At the combine, he demonstrated his remarkable speed by running a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, which placed him second in Next Gen Stats’ athleticism score. NFL.com’s projection of him as a possible starter is in line with the Giants’ expectations for his progress.
Given his third-round prediction, the Giants selected Johnson with the anticipation of obtaining substantial value in the fourth round. His physical characteristics are similar to those of Jimmy Graham; he has the hands and mobility needed to influence the passing game. Though he may still need to improve his route running, the Giants intend to put in the time necessary to fully develop him, particularly as a run game blocker.
Bellinger and Johnson together should be able to handle the tight end duties for the Giants in 2024. But if Waller chooses to stay on the club, Johnson might have an invaluable year to learn from an established player, which could improve his readiness for a bigger role in the road.
