The New York Giants revamped their offense this offseason, adding plenty of firepower to their receiving corps. The group could be among the most underrated in the league this season, especially when considering the amount of depth they possess.
Beyond the team’s starting group of Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt is even more talent. Fourth-year wideout Isaiah Hodgins could be a sleeper in the offensive lineup this season as he continues to be one of the team’s contributing pieces — or he could find himself fighting for a roster spot.
Things have not gone as planned for Hodgins following his 2022 breakout
Nabers, Slayton, Robinson, and Hyatt are New York’s projected starting four wide receivers — barring injuries. Behind those four, Hodgins is the anticipated “next man up.” However, he could find himself in a battle for a roster spot, competing with some of the other wideouts that the Giants have brought in.
Hodgins was once a projected starter in New York’s offense following his breakout at the end of the 2022 regular season. He made eight starts for Big Blue that season, totaling 33 receptions for 351 yards and four touchdowns. His first career breakout game came in the postseason as he totaled eight receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown in the Giants’ Wild Card Round victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Following such an impressive performance in the postseason, Hodgins was expected to step into a larger role in 2023. Instead, the opposite happened. He made only eight starts this past season, racking up just 21 receptions for 230 yards and three touchdowns.
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Is Hodgins a lock to make the Giants’ roster?
Despite showing promise two seasons ago, Hodgins has become the forgotten man in New York’s offense. Now he will have to compete with the likes of former Pro Bowl WR Allen Robinson, second-year gem Bryce Ford-Wheaton, and Isaiah McKenzie, who could gain an edge over the competition due to his ability to contribute on special teams.
Robinson’s prominence as a former 1,000-yard receiver could give him an edge in the race for a roster spot. Meanwhile, Ford-Wheaton is one of the most athletic players on the Giants’ roster, and McKenzie’s aforementioned special teams talent could earn him a roster spot.
When it’s all said and done, Hodgins will have to fight off some serious competition to make the final 53-man roster. A crucial summer of training camp practices and preseason games lies ahead for Hodgins as he aims to remain one of the Giants’ contributing pieces in the receiving corps.
