Why Giants' Trade for TE Darren Waller Was a Great Move

Offenses are always looking for players who can stress the defense. They’re looking for players who are tough to match up to, versatile, and can force the defense to tip their hand.

Tight end Darren Waller is exactly that type of player. And for just a 3rd-round pick, the Giants now have him.

Waller is an elite talent, plain and simple. Among all tight ends since 2019 (his break-out season), he trails only Travis Kelce in receptions per game, and is third behind Kelce and George Kittle in receiving yards per game. As long as he can stay healthy, he’s a game-changer at the position. Although, that’s a big question mark considering he’s missed 14 games over the last 2 seasons.

When it comes to his abilities, there are no questions. He’s a 6’6” tight end with off-the-charts athleticism given his size. He’s a mismatch wherever he aligns on the field. For a Giants offense that values versatility in its personnel and alignments, but has been lacking game-changing talent, he’s the perfect fit.

Waller can be mistaken for a wide receiver at times on film. Not only can he flat-out run past defenders, he also has the ability to shake them at the line in press-man coverage like a smaller, shiftier receiver might.

Just watch what he did to safety Tashaun Gipson at the line of scrimmage on this play:

The Giants can certainly work with that.

Waller can also serve the traditional tight end role of a security blanket in the middle of the field, plucking the ball out of the air and making contested catches: