New York Giants: Larry Donnell Coming Alive At Training Camp
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell is rounding into shape for what looks to be an intense training camp battle at the position.
The New York Giants have the makings to be one of the best offensive teams in the NFL. The wide receiver group has looked outstanding in the early going, as Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard look like a dynamic duo on the outside.
On the inside, though, there are more questions. Victor Cruz is sidelined again with a tight groin, clouding the third receiver spot for the Giants once again. People have also said that the Giants’ tight end spot is lacking, but that has not been the case thus far in training camp.
The Giants do not have many recognizable names to the casual fan at tight end, but they do have players that have been producing thus far in training camp. One of those players is former starter, Larry Donnell.
More from New York Giants
- Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet!
- When will the New York Giants’ First Win Come?
- New York Giants Look Horrible in Loss to 49ers
- New York Giants to Play an Injured 49ers Team Sunday
- New York Giants: Breaking Down the Devonta Freeman Signing
Donnell went into 2015 as the starter, looking to build off of a breakout 2014 season. But, he fell short of expectations. He was not producing the same way while he was on the field, but he didn’t spend much time playing; he missed the last eight games of the season because of a neck injury that eventually required surgery.
In his place, Will Tye took over as the starter and made the most of his opportunity. Tye was solid as a security blanket for Eli Manning, and it was surprising to see the chemistry between the two after Tye didn’t receive many, if any, first team reps during training camp and practice.
As a result, Donnell and Tye are locked in a training camp battle for the starting tight end spot but are not alone. The Giants have also liked what they have seen from Matt LaCosse, a second-year undrafted player out of Illinois. While they are not household names, all three players are performing well in training camp according to ESPN New York’s Jordan Raanan.
Donnell is coming around after what the Giants described as a slow spring. He was still recovering from his neck surgery, so he was probably shaking off some rust and taking things slowly, as he has looked much improved in the summer practices. He has been regularly making plays according to Raanan, playing faster and looking more like his 2014 version than 2015.
Next: 5 New York Giants Players To Watch Preseason Week 1
This is a good problem for the Giants to have, as they can add some diversity to their offensive sets. If they can become adequate blockers, as they are already strong pass catchers, it could be the difference of who starts games and who plays in sub packages.