Tight end Martellus Bennett was a 2nd round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2008 and while he established himself as one of the better blocking tight ends in the league, he never managed to break out as a pass catcher, catching just 85 passes in 4 seasons. Bennett certainly has the upside to become a better pass catcher, running a 4.68 40 at The Combine and catching 45 passes in his final season at Texas A&M in 2007.
Needing tight end help after losing both Travis Beckum and Jake Ballard to torn ACLs in the Super Bowl, the Giants signed Martellus Bennett this offseason and it seemed like a natural fit. It gave Bennett a chance to finally be an every down tight end and the Giants require all their tight ends be great blockers. Eli Manning has gotten good receiving production out of blocking tight ends in the past with guys like Kevin Boss and Travis Beckum so there was definite upside with the Bennett signing.
However, the Giants may find themselves disappointed. Naturally in the 265-270 range, Bennett weighed in at 291 at OTAs for the Giants and tight end coach Kevin Pope acknowledged this was “too big for his legs to carry.” Bennett is currently sitting out with hamstring problems. He has done nothing to shake the notion that he doesn’t have the work ethic to live up to his potential.
If Bennett can’t get into shape, the Giants’ other options at tight end are pretty slim. They include 4th round rookie Adrien Robinson, a raw pass catcher who managed just 12 catches last year at Cincinnati, a bunch of inexperienced no names, as well as the potential that Beckum and Ballard can make it back at some point this season.
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