New York Giants: Players to target in free agency
By Ryan Disdier
1. Jarrett Boykin, WR
Dec 22, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jarrett Boykin (11) celebrates a touchdown catch during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s be honest here and acknowledge the fact that the Giants likely won’t sign Randall Cobb. He’s too expensive and the Giants already have three good wide receivers. However, with Victor Cruz‘s status very much up in the air, the Giants would be wise to bring in another wide receiver. Yes, Cruz is supposed to return from a torn patellar tendon, but it’s likely that Cruz will never be the same player he was. Long-term damage can occur, even with a successful recovery.
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It’s unfortunate to say, but the Giants should prepare for the worst, as it’s better to be safe than sorry. That brings us to Jarrett Boykin.
2014 was a very disappointing year for Boykin after emerging on the scene in 2013. Boykin dealt with a groin injury, but he simply saw his targets diminish as the season wore on. 2013 was also the last year Ben McAdoo was in Green Bay.
Still, at 25, Boykin still has a whole lot to offer a football team.
At 6-foot-2, Boykin would give the Giants a unique blend of receivers with Cruz and Beckham being the explosive guys and Randle and Boykin being the tall red-zone targets. Boykin has a playing style similar to Rueben Randle‘s, although Boykin doesn’t drop as many passes. Both Boykin and Randle aren’t dangerously quick in-and-out of their cuts, but they make big catches and are surprisingly elusive in open space. With his big frame, Boykin has no problem elevating to haul in catches.
Boykin has also had success on special teams, which is something Tom Coughlin would love to have. Ironically enough, Boykin caught the longest pass of his career against the Giants back in 2013 when he beat Trumaine McBride on a 52-yard reception.
The Giants don’t need another starting receiver, but they do need depth behind their stars, and that’s exactly what Boykin can be. Any way you slice it, teams are bound to double-cover either Odell Beckham or Victor Cruz. Boykin has proven he can be a productive receiver, and he’s a far better option than Preston Parker.