PFF ranks Kenny Golladay one of NFL's top deep threats
Heading into the offseason, the Giants were determined to add multiple playmakers to the offense.
Following the additions of Kadarius Toney, Kyle Rudolph and John Ross, it is safe to say Big Blue accomplished this mission. But possibly the most eye-opening offensive splash came in the form of 6-foot-5 wide receiver Kenny Golladay, who signed with the Giants as a free agent.
Pro Football Focus' Anthony Treash recently released his rankings of the NFL's top deep threats, and the new Giants wide receiver came in at No. 3.
As Treash writes, "Despite missing most of the 2020 season, Golladay ranks fourth among NFL wide receivers in deep receiving yards over the past three years, and he was just nine yards behind third place. He's not racking up these yards by separating multiple steps away from coverage defenders like Tyreek Hill, but rather from bodying cornerbacks with his sheer size. Golladay jumps to No. 1 in deep receiving yards since 2018 on tight coverage targets, and he is tied for first in deep receptions on those same plays (14)."
Golladay played in just five games in 2020, catching 20 passes for 338 yards and two touchdowns. But only one year earlier, he enjoyed his strongest campaign, starting all 16 games for the Detroit Lions and finishing the year with 65 receptions for 1,190 yards and 11 touchdowns. He led the league in receiving touchdowns that season while earning his first selection to the Pro Bowl.
Since 2018, PFF states that Golladay has the second-highest contested catch rate of any wide receiver in the NFL with at least 50 targets at 63 percent, trailing only New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas (64 percent). In addition, while his 2020 campaign was cut short due to injury, the 6-foot-5 receiver ranked second in the league with 628 yards on deep passes in 2019. ESPN's Matthew Berry added that among receivers who have played a minimum of 30 games since 2018, Golladay ranks third in deep receptions per game and seventh in air yards per target.
Just last week, Next Gen Stats ranked Daniel Jones as the top deep passer from the 2020 season. On his 39 deep attempts, Jones went 19-for-39 for 636 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions, earning a passer rating of 134.3. Pairing Jones with one of the league's top deep threats could bode well for the Giants' offense in 2021 and beyond.
View photos of new Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay, who recently signed with the team.
5 things we learned at Giants OTAs
Spring practices are underway at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. The Giants held their third organized team activity (OTA) on Thursday, complete with individual, seven-on-seven, and team drills. Coach Joe Judge and players also addressed the media to discuss the state of the team.
Here is everything you need to know:
Giants excited for the return of fans
On Monday, the Giants and Jets released a joint statement regarding stadium capacity at MetLife Stadium for the 2021 season: "We are thrilled by Governor Murphy's announcement today to have MetLife Stadium operate at full capacity for the 2021 season. We can't wait to welcome our fans back, creating the gameday atmosphere we have all been missing. We will continue to work to ensure the return of fans is accomplished in a safe and responsible way."
The Giants open the season at home against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 12.
"I couldn't be more excited to know there's going to be 100-percent capacity," Judge said. "I'm not going to speak for the entire team, but I know there's a lot of energy upon hearing that announcement. Personally, I can't wait to walk in a stadium and hear it at a deafening level. That's something I'm really looking forward to and feeling the energy of the fans. It's something we've missed, and I've expressed before how much we value and thrive on as a team, going out playing in front of your home crowd and the animosity playing on the road against a visiting crowd."
Can't-miss photos from Giants OTAs
View some of the best photos from Giants' OTAs at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday, May 27.
View the best photos from the Giants' spring practices at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
Single Game Tickets
A limited number of Giants 2021 single game tickets are on sale now