Over the last two weeks, I think Giant fans everywhere feel a little better about the wide receiver position. It may have started for me with a flat out drop by Steve Smith versus the Jets. Smith would have had a 90 yard touchdown reception from Eli Manning, but for the fact he forgot to catch the ball. Still, what it showed me is this group of wideouts can get deep. Catching the ball is the least of my worries. Getting open is the key. And that trend continued throughout the Jets game, with the Giants offense taking multiple shots down the field (how many times did they throw deep to Manningham anyway?). And yes there were some overthrows to open guys, and some drops too. It happens. But do understand this Giants will be reintroducing the long ball back into the offense. In the finale versus the Pats, check out how many long passes were caught. Seven different receivers caught balls of at least 23 yards. Very impressive.
So who makes the squad at WR, and how many do we keep? I say the max is certainly six, and here’s how I see it:
Smith and Hixon are the starters. Manningham and Nicks will get plenty of time as the three and four, probably in a rotation. Ramses Barden makes the squad obviously as well, but his time will most likely be limited this season. So that leaves one more spot, and we know it comes down to Tyree, Moss, or Hagan. My choice right now is Hagan. Tyree appears to be still limited by his injury, and if he can’t play great specials he can’t be on this roster. Moss finally made an appearance versus the Pats, and there’s been speculation that his increased playing time in that game was to showcase him for a potential trade. If the Giants can get anything for him, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Moss is a free agent next year and with the young stock of WR’s on the team, he won’t be resigned anyway. And as Manningham and Nicks progress this year Moss would again drop on the depth chart as he has his entire Giant career. Hagan has enough experience in the league to step in early on if necessary if either Mario or Hakeem have some growing pains. And remember, with the TE’s and backs also being involved in this offense (hopefully, fingers crossed) the wide receivers won’t be burdened with carrying the team.
