New York Giants: Larry Donnell has star potential

Prior to last year’s to the Week 4 matchup against the Washington Redskins, New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell was virtually unknown by anyone who didn’t extensively follow the Giants. Donnell scored three touchdowns that night – despite rather infamously benching himself on his own fantasy team – and he proved to the Giants that they have another weapon on offense.

Going into the 2014 season, a lot of people expected the Giants to draft a tight end in the draft, but the team opted to roll with the group of Donnell, Adrien Robinson and Daniel Fells. Donnell earned the starting job in the preseason and entrenched himself as the team’s primary starting tight end.

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The 26-year-old tight end has a lot of promise and it appears he’s a future star in the making.

Donnell has all of the physical attributes a team would look for in a tight end: He’s 6-6 and 265 pounds and he has a natural leaping ability. That makes him a big part of the team’s red-zone offense as he’s one of the best options to throw a fade to.

The Grambling State product has made some big catches and produced some highlight plays. The coaches seem to think he’s improving and he’s come a long way from a three-catch campaign in 2013.

Despite his share of drops, Donnell finished 2014 with 63 receptions for 623 yards and six touchdowns. Donnell’s 63 catches were the most by a Giants tight end since Jeremy Shockey totaled 66 grabs in 2006. Donnell’s big numbers are partially due to the Giants’ offensive system, but he certainly proved he can be a productive player.

Unfortunately, Donnell also had four crucial fumbles as well.

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) leaps over Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jaylen Watkins (37) during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

All of his fumbles were recovered by the defense. The first fumble came in the first half against the Houston Texans when Donnell lowered his shoulder and turned the ball over in the red zone. The next two happened in Dallas, with the first virtually shutting the door on a Giants’ comeback attempt.

The fourth and final fumble, against Jacksonville, was arguably the worst of the bunch. Once again, Donnell tried to jump over a defender, but he fumbled and the defense capitalized on his mistake, returning the fumble for a touchdown.

The fumbles aren’t too worrisome, though, as Tom Coughlin is a guy who turned the fumble-heavy Tiki Barber into a high-and-tight running back. He should be able to do the same with Donnell.

Donnell isn’t a great blocker either, which at times can be detrimental to the offense. However, much like ball security, proper blocking technique can be taught.

Despite the minor setbacks, Donnell’s coaches believe he has the talent to become a star.

“Yeah, they (the Giants) really like Larry Donnell and believe he’s in the midst of developing into a very good player,” said ESPN’s Dan Graziano. “They believe they have not only a starter, but a future star in Donnell… As for the pass-catching “starting” tight end in Ben McAdoo’s offense, my understanding is that they believe in Donnell and expect even bigger and better things from him in 2015 and beyond.”

The Giants haven’t had the same starting tight end in back-to-back years since Kevin Boss was on the team, so it’s certainly refreshing to see a young tight end have staying power in New York.

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Donnell appears to have impeccable work ethic which undoubtedly led to his breakout 2014 campaign.

I understand Donnell is a free agent, but he’s an exclusive-rights free agent and he will be retained. According to Bleacher Report, if the Giants offer Donnell a three-year veteran minimum, he must take the deal or leave the NFL. It’s a good thing he’s an exclusive-rights free agent, too. Otherwise he would almost certainly garner major interest from other teams.

Donnell isn’t the most technically sound player like Jason Witten and he’s not the best blocker like Tony Gonzalez. He is, however, an immensely talented tight end and he’s part of a young group of offensive players — imagine how fun it’s going to be watching Donnell, Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle catching passes next year — who should help contribute to playoff appearances in the near future.

He has all the tools and potential to become a star, and it’s likely only a matter of time until he truly becomes great.

All he needs now is a great touchdown dance (like Victor Cruz) or a great nickname (Odell Beckham Jr., A.K.A. “Hands Solo“) to truly distinguish himself from the rest of the tight ends in the NFL.

Next: New York Giants: Updated list of free agency targets

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