In the weeks before training camp, we’ll break down each position on the Giants roster to highlight the team’s strengths, weaknesses and the depth-chart battles that will determine who’s around for Week 1:
Tight Ends
Returning players: Larry Donnell, Will Tye, Matt LaCosse
Key newcomers: Jerell Adams (draft, sixth round), Ryan Malleck (undrafted free agent)
Assessment: The Giants did not exactly open their checkbook to land a big name here, did they? Clearly, this front office believes the tight end does not have to be a high-profile player and certainly not a high draft pick or high-priced.
Donnell, returning after a neck injury scare that cost him the final eight games in 2015, is an inviting target at 6-foot-6 with a long wingspan, but he has struggled with ball-security issues and often has trouble keeping his feet on the ground without tumbling head over heels, causing all sorts of bad things. He is a willing blocker, but not very accomplished.
Tye was a big surprise as an undrafted rookie free agent from Stony Brook (by way of Florida State), catching 42 passes and showing some run-after-catch ability. He’s built solidly and needs to improve his blocking, but is an interesting player as far as possible development.
LaCosse, a practice squad player most of last season, has prototypical size and might become the best blocker of the bunch.
Adams will do well to stick on the practice squad ahead of Malleck. The rookie out of South Carolina is 6-foot-5, 247 pounds and fast, and is reputed to be more advanced as a blocker this early in his career.
Camp battle to watch: There is a starting job up for grabs, and Donnell and Tye figure to fight for it all summer. Donnell has more experience, but is probably less well-rounded. Tye must show he can take the next step forward and gain confidence within the coaching staff that he will make the key block when needed.