With the New York Giants signing Golden Tate as a possession receiver to replace some of the productivity Odell Beckham Jr. provided for the team, it opens up a void in the red zone.
The Giants lack a true big-bodied wideout that can snag those 50/50 balls in the endzone. They could look towards Iowa State receiver, Hakeem Butler, to provide value in that sense.
What would Hakeem Butler offer the New York Giants?
At 6’6″, 225-pounds, Butler is a massive pass catcher with the ability to snag the ball at its highest point. His physical tools are impressive, running a 4.48 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Providing Eli Manning with a tool of this caliber would undoubtedly increase his red zone production and touchdown conversion rate.
In addition to Butler’s stellar jump-ball ability, he’s a great long-ball option as well. With huge strides and length, he has the ability to speed past corners and get beyond the free safety. While he does offer an advantage physically, his route running isn’t refined and would need to develop that part of his game to emerge as a top option for the Giants.
Hakeem Butler can be a WR to look out for. That 6’5 225lbs WO can be a solid add for us. He ran a 4.48 on his 40 ? pic.twitter.com/TL4ztd8Htk
— ??? ???????? (@TheBlueZonee) March 21, 2019
The Iowa State product reminds me of a lesser Calvin Johnson – he has the size, speed, and catch radius to replicate his production with a bit of growth in other tangible aspects. Racking up 1,318 yards and nine touchdowns last season attests to his abilities on the field, and an astounding 22 yards per reception adds to the hype.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein described Butler:
Big long-strider with exceptional length and good build-up speed to challenge cover corners and safeties down the field. Butler’s unique play strength after the catch allows him to win contested deep balls and then plow through tackle attempts to create chunk plays and long touchdowns. His routes are basic and clunky and will limit how teams can use him. A greater concern will be those inconsistent hands that could turn quarterbacks against him unless he improves them. He’s a work in progress, but the traits and potential are worth taking a shot.