Giants Expecting Big Things from TE Darren Waller

Can Darren Waller become the Giants version of Travis Kelce?

Author:
Gene Clemons
Publish date:
Jul 15, 2023 12:00 PM EDT

In this story:

Darren Waller, Tight End

Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 238 pounds
2022 Stats: GP: 9 GS: 6, 28 rec 388 yds, 3 TDs

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller, a converted receiver, spent three seasons with the Ravens and Raiders. By 2019 and 2020, he established himself as one of the most dangerous receiving weapons in the NFL.

In those two seasons, he hauled 197 receptions, 2,341 yards, and 12 touchdowns, averaging nearly 12 yards per reception. His unique combination of receiving skills and athleticism mixed with prototype tight end size has made him a matchup nightmare for any combination of pass defenders.

Waller is too big and strong for corners and most safeties, and he is too athletic for linebackers. While on the field, he terrorized AFC West defenders and anyone else in his way. But over the last two seasons, he fell victim to injuries and a revolving door of coaches, his production dropping off.

Now in his first season with the Giants, the fans, front office, and coaching staff hope that a change of scenery will help him reach his fullest potential. That would immensely help this Giants' passing offense, which does not have a traditional No. 1 receiver.

The question becomes, do they need one? In Kansas City, Travis Kelce is the number one receiver despite being a tight end. The passing game runs through him, and it is not hard to imagine Waller filling a similar role with the Giants.

With the upgrades and depth added on the receiving corp, it will be tough for teams to focus their game plan on stopping Waller in all places the Giants' offensive brain trust can align him.

The Giants understand how to use a tight end successfully because of Mike Kafka's experience with Kansas City before he came to New York.

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Best Case Scenario

Yes, the nine touchdowns Waller scored in 2020 were a career-high, but not an aberration. In fact, over the past two seasons, despite missing many games, he was still a threat to score, and his projections still point towards him being an elite tight end.

That will all depend on his health and well-being. If healthy, there's no reason why Waller could not finish the season with over 90 catches and 1100 yards. Maybe even more importantly, he will get in the endzone close to 10 times this season.

Worst Case Scenario

Injuries are difficult to recover from, physically and mentally. Sometimes the toll it takes keeps players off the field and makes them more vulnerable to reinjury, but it never allows them to regain the physical form they once possessed.

There is a chance this could be the case for Waller. He may only be available half the time for the team due to smaller injuries that continue to pop up and rob him of reaching his full potential.

That inconsistency will not benefit Waller or the team, and the fans will view his addition as just another management misstep in Giants history.

What to Expect in 2023

Injuries are a part of the game, so it would not be surprising if Waller does not suit up for all 17 games, but he should be absolutely for most of them. If the Giants can get Waller for 14-15 games, that would be a great outcome since he's only started 17 games over the past two seasons.

If early looks at the offense during OTAs and mandatory minicamps are any indication, Waller will be the focal point of the Giants' passing offense. If the run game is as prominent as last season, that will allow Waller to operate without as much attention.

Waller's job will be much easier if the speed the team has added at receiver can occupy the back half of the defense. This will be Daniel Jones's second season in this offense, so he should operate it more effectively. All signs point to a resurgent season for Waller if he stays healthy.