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New York Giants: Is Rueben Randle the Forgotten Receiver?

By Ryan Disdier

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Although not the most popular wide receiver on the New York Giants, Rueben Randle is still on the team and he’s still going to be a big part of the offense in 2015.

He might not make the sensational catches on national television like Odell Beckham Jr., and he might not have burst on the scene with touchdowns and Salsa Dancing like Victor Cruz. But rest assured, Randle can still be highly productive in the Giants’ offense.

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The 6-2 Randle is the tallest receiver currently on the Giants other than Corey Washington, and he’s gotten better every single year he’s been in the league. Granted, expectations were high for Randle this year because he was supposed to fully replace Hakeem Nicks. Randle, although unspectacular for the majority of the year, finished with 938 yards on 71 receptions. Randle was benched on two separate occasions for being tardy to team meetings, but he stepped up in the last two weeks as Randle totaled 12 receptions for 290 yards against the Rams and Eagles, respectively.

While Randle is not the most technically sound wide receiver, his natural athleticism and big-play ability make him a versatile threat in the Giants’ offense that typically features three starting receivers.

Sep 14, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a touchdown pass over Arizona Cardinals cornerback

Patrick Peterson

in the second quarter during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest downside about Randle is how inconsistent he can be. 2014 was a much better year for Randle with regard to his route running, but he still had some bad drops. He drops too many third-down passes and sometimes his inconsistent hands can lead to turnovers, which was the case in a week 4 matchup against Washington.

When evaluating Randle, don’t forget that he left college earlier than a lot of people expected him to. Labeled more of a “prospect” upon entering the draft, it’s not a huge surprise that Randle isn’t the most fluent route-runner, especially since 2014 was his first year as a full-fledged starter.

His route running and miscommunication with Eli Manning has led to interceptions in the past, and Randle isn’t exceptionally fast in-and-out of his cuts.

Despite the caveats, Randle is a spectacular value for the Giants, as ESPN’s Dan Graziano referred to. Randle is set to make less than $900,000 in 2015, which is wonderful price to pay for a productive number-three receiver.

Beckham and Cruz are the focal points of the offense, but Randle is a player that can step in whenever someone’s injured and put up good numbers and command some attention and double-teams from the defense.

When comparing the trio of Cruz, Beckham and Randle to the trio of Nicks, Cruz and Manningham, I would venture to say Randle is a similar player to Manningham – you know, sans the signature catch – though I think Randle is more talented. Both players are explosive, have quiet demeanors and struggle to catch the ball consistently.

Randle doesn’t have blazing speed or a 6-6 frame, but he has the ability to excel. He’s sort of a hybrid wide receiver; he can play inside and outside, come down with big catches and make people miss in space.

He’s extremely effective on fade-routes and deep balls, although he can make catches across the middle and on the sideline as well. Against the Eagles in week 17, Randle made some spectacular catches, some coming in double-coverage.

The Giants’ organization seems to be behind Randle, which is a good thing, considering the severity of Cruz’s injury.

Nov 16, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs with the ball past San Francisco 49ers linebacker

Michael Wilhoite

(57) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

“I think Rueben gets banged on a lot. Sometimes he should get banged on, but I think he gets banged on sometimes a little too much,” Giants general manager Jerry Reese said, via NJ.com. “I think he’s a good, young player and all he needs is some chances. With Victor and Odell, I think he will get plenty of chances.”

Maybe Randle gets a lot of flack because he doesn’t necessarily have the “wide receiver persona” or the loudmouth style that players like Terrell Owens and Dez Bryant have. He’s not a bombastic or a loquacious guy. In fact, he’s similar to Eli Manning in that regard.

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New York Giants

Randle will certainly have an array of opportunities next year, as defenses will have to focus on Cruz and Beckham as well.

It’s tough to tell exactly how defenses will play the talented trio, as Beckham, Cruz and Randle really didn’t share the field that often in 2014. In week 17’s game against the Eagles, Philadelphia spent the majority of the game playing Randle and Beckham in man coverage while keeping two safeties over the top.

It’s possible that teams will try that next year, but Randle will surely have an opportunity to step up and shine.

Randle certainly has a lot to prove next year, but he’s a player that isn’t unfamiliar with having a chip on his shoulder. It’s a mindset that likely came to fruition when he was the last player in the green room during the 2012 draft.

Although he’s not the most consistent player on the Giants, Randle is improving, and he has been improving ever since he entered the league. He has natural athleticism and he’s always capable of making big plays or one-handed catches. He likely won’t be making the Pro Bowl in the near future, but don’t sleep on Rueben Randle in 2015.

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