The New York Giants head into training camp with a relatively deep receiving corps despite the loss of Hakeem Nicks, but they will need Odell Beckham to return healthy.
The New York Giants kept their receiving corps mostly intact, but they lost Hakeem Nicks to the Indianapolis Colts.
General manager Jerry Reese addressed this potential hole by drafting Odell Beckham Jr. in the first round of the draft. However, Beckham has missed training camp with a lingering hamstring injury.
If the former LSU star can return healthy, he is expected to start across from Victor Cruz, who is looking to return to posting elite numbers.
Despite Manning’s struggles, Cruz was able to finish with 73 catches, 998 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Rueben Randle will continue to be the third receiver for the Giants, and he may become a starter if Beckham’s hamstring does not heal up soon.
Jerrel Jernigan is also expected to see a bigger role after being a slot receiver last season. He finished with 29 catches and 329 yards.
Trindon Holliday, who has explosive speed, will be the Giants’ return man, so he will make the team as a special teams contributor, but the former Bronco will see little to no action at receiver.
The final spot is expected to go to either Corey Washington or Mario Manningham. Manningham has a prior history with the Giants, including a memorable catch in Super Bowl 46.
However, Manningham will have difficulty making the roster since there is already depth and he is recovering from knee surgery.
Washington is an undrafted rookie who has made some waves in spring practices, so he may sneak his way onto the team. If not, he will be a practice squad candidate.
The Giants are expected to carry five or six receivers on the team, and the corps looks to remain deep. If Beckham can return healthy, the receiving corps won’t miss Nicks too much.
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