The New York Giants have added some veteran receivers to their roster, and one of the most intriguing additions is JuJu Smith-Schuster. While he may not possess the same explosive athleticism as some of his peers, Smith-Schuster brings a unique set of skills that could be invaluable to the Giants' offense.
One of his standout qualities is his spatial awareness and route-running ability. Smith-Schuster excels in finding space in the short-intermediate parts of the field, which is crucial for an offense designed by Greg Roman and Matt Nagy. He understands how to break back to the quarterback, maximizing the potential of plays and keeping the chains moving. This is evident in the play against the Titans, where he saw the coverage mishap and found a pocket in the defense, allowing Mahomes to locate him over the middle of the field.
Smith-Schuster's ability to extend plays is another asset. He understands defensive coverage and the flow of his quarterback's movements, ensuring he delivers a catchable football that doesn't lead the offense into precarious situations. This is a trait that would have meshed well with Jaxson Dart last season and still holds value as an effective tough option who blocks out of the slot.
In terms of blocking, Smith-Schuster is a physical presence who can mix it up, understands angles, and hustles to block. This is an endearing trait that aligns perfectly with Roman's philosophy. He takes out edge defenders and is an excellent stalk blocker on screens, showcasing his toughness and ability to finish blocks effectively.
However, it's important to note that Smith-Schuster's roster spot is not guaranteed. He's not the most spry or explosive, but his savviness in routes, reliability in the short-intermediate parts of the field, toughness, and excellent blocking ability could propel him into the final 53 with a strong training camp performance. His experience with Nagy and the Chiefs' offense also adds to his value.
In conclusion, JuJu Smith-Schuster brings a unique blend of skills to the New York Giants. While he may not possess the same explosive athleticism, his spatial awareness, route-running ability, play extension, and blocking prowess make him a valuable addition to the team. With a strong training camp, he could prove to be a key contributor to the Giants' offense.
