One of the New York Giants’ big free agent signings in 2021 was wide receiver, Kenny Golladay. In the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Golladay was a highly productive player. He caught 70 passes for 1,063 yards and five touchdowns in 2018. The next year, Golladay had 65 receptions for 1,190 yards and 11 touchdowns which led the NFL. When Golladay signed with the Giants in March of 2021, it was on a significant four-year contract worth $72 million.
In year one with the Giants, things did not go as expected for Golladay. In 14 games, he caught just 37 of 76 targets thrown his way (48.7% catch rate). He finished with 521 receiving yards, a career-low 14.1 yards per catch, and no receiving touchdowns.
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How the New York Giants can maximize Golladay’s talent:
Golladay has a great frame and skill set he can offer the Giants’ offense.
The first two things that must be improved this year are his yards per catch and touchdown amount.
All four years Golladay was with the Lions, he recorded at least 15.2 yards per catch. Last year, his 14.1 average per catch was noticeably lower. Golladay offers a ton of size at 6-foot-4 and 213 pounds. At that size, Golladay provides good 4.5 speed as well. Getting him going vertically down the field as a possession target, outside the numbers in one-on-one situations, is one key to getting the most out of Golladay in 2022.
Continuing with his size, the Giants need Golladay to make his impact felt with a consistent presence in the red zone. In 47 games with the Lions, Golladay caught 21 touchdowns. To go scoreless in 14 games last year was rough. Utilizing his bigger frame to his advantage for Daniel Jones in the tight part of the field will be important for Golladay this year.
Lastly, with Golladay, durability has been somewhat of a concern throughout his five-year career. He has played in 61 games (12.2 per year). Being available for 15 games plus in 2022 will be important for the Giants to get the most of out Golladay. In comparison to the rest of the Giants’ group of wide receivers, Golladay is significantly bigger and can line up on the outside as an x-receiver. He turns 29 years old in November. The time for the Giants to get at least a solid year of production from Golladay is now.