Every NFL team’s most underrated offensive weapon entering 2020

New York Giants: Kaden Smith

The New York Giants had multiple weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Saquon Barkley, Evan Engram, Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate, and Darius Slayton were the headliners among the offensive unit, as they each brought a unique skillset to Pat Shurmur’s system. Even though the Giants disappointed offensively, ranking 18th in pass yardage and 19th in rush yardage, they may have added another weapon to the mix.

Once Engram went down with a season-ending injury, rookie Kaden Smith was inserted into the lineup and took over the lead tight end duties. Although Smith was drafted by the 49ers, he was released and claimed by the Giants. Fortunately for New York, they may have found a diamond in the rough to compliment Engram.

Smith performed well in Engram’s absence, catching 31 balls for 682 yards and three touchdowns; he managed a 74 percent catch rate and converted 12 catches into first downs. Although he didn’t test well at the combine, Smith showed promise as a pass-catching tight end and appeared to be a solid safety blanket for rookie Daniel Jones.

With the Giants switching to a more run-heavy approach under Joe Judge and Jason Garrett, Smith should see an increase in playing time in more two-tight end sets. He likely won’t surpass Engram on the depth chart, but he’ll give New York a solid secondary option at tight end and allow the offense to be extremely versatile.