5 Tight Ends the Giants Should Consider Drafting Amid Darren Waller Uncertainty

The New York Giants have a massive question mark at the tight end position as Darren Waller considers retirement and is still unsure which way he'll end up deciding. Outside of Waller, on the roster, the Giants have tight ends Daniel Bellinger, Jack Stoll, Chris Manhertz, and Lawrence Cager.

While Bellinger has shown an ability as a pass catcher, Manhertz and Stoll are known more for their blocking which raises issues if Waller retires. That could lead to the Giants drafting one of the following tight ends:

Ben Sinnott - Kansas State - Projected 2nd Round Pick

Outside of Brock Bowers, Ben Sinnott is the top tight end prospect in the class and the most likely selection at tight end if the Giants address the need on day two of the draft. The Giants have shown interest in Sinnott hosting him on a top-30 visit earlier this month. The Kansas State prospect is the total package showing versatility as a blocker and as a receiver.

The 6"4 tight end led the Wild Cats in receiving in 2023 with 49 catches for 676 yards and 6 touchdowns. Sinnott has the frame to transition to the NFL nicely while his vast route tree will allow him to see the field early and often as a pro. If the Giants select Sinnott he can certainly be a difference maker on day one for an offense that lacks top-end talent.

Ja'Tavion Sanders - Texas - Projected 3rd Round Pick

The Texas Longhorns tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders is the top player to watch for the Giants if they're looking for a big-time receiver at TE. Sanders has the short-area burst and long speed to be an incredibly productive receiver in the NFL. He's also a willing run-blocker that will give the team a versable option in a variety of sets. While being reliable in the middle of the field, he's a massive yards after catch threat which is a need in the NFL.

Sanders isn't overwhelming in terms of size which you would like in a top of the draft tight end. The majority of Sanders' success comes in the slot similar to former Giant Evan Engram which could be an issue with the Giants' surplus of slot receivers.

Cade Stover - Ohio State - Projected Day Three Pick

When it comes to being a pure receiving threat, there's an argument that Cade Stover is the hands-down best option after Brock Bowers. Stover excels at making incredible adjustments making great catches on both high and low passes with adjustments that rival the top receivers in the class.

He's a massive threat in contested catch situations with incredible hands, making for a great player at tight end. He's also shown to be a threat in run-after-catch situations with enough agility to outrun defenders and the strength to run over opposing defenders.

If not for playing with a below-average quarterback on a team filled with receiving threats, Stover would be in the conversation as an early day two pick.

Theo Johnson - Penn State - Projected Day Three Pick

If you took Theo Johnson off of Penn State and placed him in an elite passing offense at the college level, you'd have a player with late first-round buzz. At 6"6, 260 pounds, Theo Johnson is a physical specimen with unbelievable speed and athleticism. His blend of speed and agility make him a matchup nightmare constantly beating man coverage.

Johnson is an incredible blocker in both the rushing attack and in pass protection to pair with his rare athletic ability. If the New York Giants are looking for a player that can become a do it all player in the draft at tight end, then Theo Johnson should be the pick.

Jared Wiley - TCU - Projected Day Three Pick

The Horned Frogs' 6"7 tight end Jared Wiley is one of the most intriguing options at the tight end position. For someone of Wiley's size, he has unreal speed and coordination excelling against zone coverage.

The Horned Frogs haven't fully used Wiley in their passing attack, meaning he has a chance to get even better as a receiver in the NFL after recording 47 catches for 520 yards and eight touchdowns. The size of Wiley is part of the reason why he's potentially the best blocking tight end in the NFL draft. He'll without doubt be a great blocker at the NFL it just depends on if he becomes a good enough receiver to stick around in the pros.

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