Nate Burleson impressed by Giants pass-catchers
The Giants went into this offseason with a clear goal in mind: add more explosive weapons to the offense.
In free agency, the Giants signed numerous talented pass-catchers. Kenny Golladay will provide Daniel Jones with a big-bodied receiver that excels at contested catches, while John Ross adds another speedy downfield threat and Kyle Rudolph brings a steady, veteran presence to the TE room.
But they didn't stop there. Following a first-round trade in the NFL Draft which netted the team several future draft assets, including the Chicago Bears' first-round pick in 2022, the Giants selected Kadarius Toney with the No. 20 pick. Toney provides a new dimension to the offense, and will likely be used in a variety of ways.
On top of all these additions, Big Blue will also welcome back Saquon Barkley to the field. The team's star running back injured his knee in Week 2 of the 2020 campaign and was forced to miss the remainder of the season.
Between all of the new faces joining the offense, along with returning playmakers such as Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton and Evan Engram, it is no wonder that the Giants' deep group of pass-catchers is garnering attention from media outlets.
Former NFL wide receiver and 'Good Morning Football' host Nate Burleson recently chose the Giants' receiving core as one of the NFL's most intriguing groups heading into the 2021 season.
"I hear a lot of hype about them right now, and rightfully so. They have some playmakers..." Burleson told the 'GMFB' crew this week. "They bring in Kenny Golladay. We know that Sterling Shepard is there. I'm a huge fan of Darius Slayton. And I'll add the tight ends on that. We forget that Kyle Rudolph is here, Evan Engram was a Pro Bowler last season. The reason they're exciting to me is because not just the talent at wide receiver and tight end, they also have Saquon in the backfield."
Mailbag: Saquon's comeback, undrafted rookies
Giants.com's John Schmeelk answers questions surrounding the team from Giants fans.
John in Connecticut: Do you think Saquon Barkley will be the same player he was before his injury?
John Schmeelk: Given the advancement of medical technology and rehab techniques, there's no reason to think Barkley will not eventually reach the level of play and athleticism he had before his injury. There's no way to know when that will happen, but given Barkley's work ethic, there should be little doubt he will get there at some point.
Michael in Florida: What are the Giants doing with Jake Burton, who played multiple positions at Baylor?
John Schmeelk: Burton was one of the Giants' undrafted free agents in 2021. At Baylor, he played right tackle as a sophomore and junior before moving inside to right guard as a senior. The Giants have not made their intentions for him position-wise clear, but it is probably more likely he plays inside than outside. He will have a chance to compete for a spot on the roster or practice squad in training camp when the pads come on.
Catch up on all the action with must-see photos from minicamp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
Photos: First look at Kadarius Toney
Check out the gallery below to view some of the best photos of Kadarius Toney's first few months as a member of the Giants.
View some of the best photos of Kadarius Toney's first few months as a member of the Giants.
Single Game Tickets
A limited number of Giants 2021 single game tickets are on sale now