The New York Giants had a surprise standout at minicamp from the tight end position, and it wasn’t rookie Theo Johnson.
While the fourth-round pick turned plenty of heads this offseason, he wasn’t the only standout tight end during the spring workouts.
In the eyes of Jordan Raanan of ESPN, fellow tight end Lawrence Cager gets that honor.
Tight end Darren Waller’s retirement opened opportunities for others. 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.
The Giants expected Waller to retire all offseason and essentially planned their moves accordingly. It was a major factor in drafting Johnson in the fourth round.
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But while Johnson and Daniel Bellinger are currently projected as the starting tandem when the Giants are in 12 personnel, we shouldn’t forget about the wide-receiver-turned-tight-end.
The Giants clearly see something in the 26-year-old as he continues to transition to the tight end position, and he’s currently the favorite to be the TE3 on the depth chart.
We’ll see what kind of role Cager is headed for, but he will be someone to keep an eye on when training camp rolls around at the end of July.
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