ESPN says Lawrence Cager impressed during spring practices
Following the conclusion of all team OTAs and minicamps, ESPN recently chose one player from every team across the league "who unexpectedly rose to the occasion and could make a serious impact in the fall when rotational battles heat up."
Tight end Lawrence Cager was the selection for the Giants.
"Tight end Darren Waller's retirement opened opportunities for others," wrote ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "It looked this spring like Cager and fourth-round pick Theo Johnson will be asked to fill that pass-catching role. Both received some first-team reps and made plays in what primarily serves as a passing camp. Coach Brian Daboll even mentioned that Cager was 'probably one of the most improved players throughout the offseason,' which could open the door for him to make a significant contribution this season."
Cager played in 11 games last season and finished with four receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown.
In six games (three starts) with the Giants during the 2022 campaign, the 6-foot-5 tight end caught 13 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown, including eight receptions for 69 yards in the regular season finale.
As Raanan mentioned, Waller's retirement will lead to more opportunities for the other tight ends on the roster, including Cager, Daniel Bellinger and Theo Johnson, among others.
The 26-year-old caught the eye of his head coach following a strong performance throughout the spring.
"I've been very happy with Cage," Daboll said about the tight end during minicamp. "Probably one of the most improved players throughout the offseason that we've had relative to playing fast, being able to use his speed, not thinking, being in the system here for a little bit.
"I've been very happy with his progress. He's got a great schedule. He has come in really early. He's taken to the coaching from Tim Kelly. He has had a really good camp.
View photos of the New York Giants' 2024 active roster as it currently stands.
ILB Matthew Adams
CB Deonte Banks
TE Daniel Bellinger
S Dane Belton
QB Tim Boyle
OLB Brian Burns
DL Elijah Chatman
QB Tommy DeVito
TE Greg Dulcich
DT Cory Durden
OT Jermaine Eluemunor
OL Joshua Ezeudu
CB Cor'Dale Flott
OLB Tomon Fox
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton
K Graham Gano
DL Elijah Garcia
P Jamie Gillan (6)
RB Eric Gray
CB Art Green
OT Chris Hubbard
WR Jalin Hyatt
CB Adoree' Jackson
S Anthony Johnson Jr.
ILB Dyontae Johnson
LS Casey Kreiter
G Jake Kubas
S Raheem Layne
QB Drew Lock
TE Chris Manhertz
LB Micah McFadden
ILB Darius Muasau
WR Malik Nabers
T Evan Neal
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches
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S Jason Pinnock
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RB Devin Singletary
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WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
G Aaron Stinnie
CB Greg Stroman
LB Ty Summers
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
RB Tyrone Tracy
G Greg Van Roten
DB Dee Williams
CB Divaad Wilson
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