New York Giants rookie impressing constantly at OTAs | Sporting News

The New York Giants are in the final week of OTAs before wrapping up the offseason workouts with minicamp next week, and one rookie is flashing plenty.

With the retirement of tight end Darren Waller imminent, the Giants are seeing the emergence of rookie Theo Johnson as his potential replacement.

The Giants drafted Johnson in the fourth round with Waller’s potential retirement in mind, and the Penn State product is making plenty of plays thus far to prove that was a wise move.

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According to Matt Citak of the team’s website, Johnson was all over the field making plays Tuesday, something that has become a constant theme at OTAs.

Citak noted that Johnson “made several impressive catches on Tuesday,” including a tight-window reception for a first down and a 20-plus yard connection with Drew Lock later in the day.

The Giants have a thin tight end that is likely going to be led by Daniel Bellinger as the starter. But the roles behind Bellinger are wide open. Johnson offers the most upside of the entire group to be an every-down player.

Though Johnson’s production profile from his time at Penn State left a lot of question marks before the draft, he has shown the ability on film to be a productive pass-catcher. Couple that with his elite athleticism, and it’s easy to see why there’s optimism regarding his upside.

The Giants have one more OTA practice open to the media this week on Thursday before a two-day minicamp rolls around next week.

We’ll see just how loud the drum beat for Johnson will get before summer breaks.

For more Giants coverage, check out Kevin Hickey’s work on Sporting News.