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Friday, May 25, 2012

Fixing the Giant Hole at Tight End: A New York Giants Fan's Take - Yahoo! Sports

When both Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum went down during the last Super Bowl with serious leg injuries, the New York Giants realized that 2012 would be challenging when it came to the tight end position.

They had the opportunity to draft Coby Fleener in the 2012 NFL Draft but decided to pass in favor of running back David Wilson. As a result, the Giants will have, more or less, an open competition at the tight end position as camp begins.

Without question, Ballard is the most talented of all the tight ends on the Giants' roster. After catching 38 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns in 2011, he looked as if he had solidified the position for the upcoming season. But Ballard's ACL injury required surgery which could keep him out for the entire 2012 campaign. Meanwhile, the news on Beckum is almost as grim. He will begin the season on the PUP (physical unable to perform) list. He is hoping for a Week 10 return, but even that is in doubt.

So who takes over at tight end?

Right now, the overwhelming favorite to see a majority of snaps at the position is Martellus Bennett. The Dallas Cowboys cast off Bennett after the 2011 season. A second-round draft pick out of Texas A&M in 2008, Bennett had perpetually disappointed in Dallas. In the shadow of Jason Witten, he managed just 85 receptions and 846 receiving yards during his four-year tenure there. Given the Cowboys decided not to keep him around, despite Witten turning 30 years of age, may be telling.

Bennett's ability to block is not in question, but how proficient he will be as a receiver is.

The Giants selected Adrien Robinson with their fourth-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Robinson was a force in Cincinnati and is highly thought of by the New York brass, but he is known for his fierce blocking skills and not as a pass catcher.

In addition, the Giants have Larry Donnell, Christian Hopkins, and Ryan Purvis on the roster. It would be shocking if any of those players made an impact this season.

As for the free agent market, it is very thin. Jeremy Shockey has displayed interest in returning to the Giants, but his potential reemergence with the team is dubious. Visanthe Shiancoe remains available, but like Shockey, he is 32 years of age and his skills have noticeably declined.

The most intriguing name available via a trade was Kellen Winslow. He is now a member of the Seattle Seahawks.

With a shortage of hands at the position, the current tight ends on the roster offer little support to Eli Manning and the passing game. With just weeks until camp, it will be interesting to watch what moves the Giants will make to remedy that situation.

Sources: Yahoo! Sports

Robert Watkins is former investment professional and partner. A native New Yorker until 9/11, he considers Pa. his adoptive home. A passionate Giants fan, fantasy football fanatic, and Pennsylvania sports enthusiast, Robert is a frequent contributor to Yahoo! Sports and News.

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