While there are bigger names at the tight end position among the rookies, one that could become a sleeper eventually in 2024 is New York Giants fourth-rounder Theo Johnson from Penn State.
The opportunity the rookie has to become the starter could be something to watch even with Daniel Bellinger.
Veteran tight end Darren Waller retired last week, so this opens the door for a player to emerge.
The Giants should have plenty of targets to go around, as the main pass catcher should be their top five first-round rookie Malik Nabers but after that, the target competition is not as defined.
Although the 23-year-old wasn’t the most productive in college, Johnson has the physical traits to be a mismatch for the position. The biggest impact he could have in this offense is in the red zone, at 6’6″ and 259 pounds with his blazing speed for his size.
Theo Johnson College Stats and Production
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In four years at Penn State, Theo Johnson has the athleticism but wasn’t always able to showcase his potential as a three-down full-time player. He was more of a role receiver and while there is work to be done with his blocking, nuance at route running, and hands, the young tight end can be a better pro than a collegiate athlete.
2023 was a career season for the senior, as he had 34 catches for 341 yards and 7 touchdowns. I think starting as a rookie, Johnson should be used in multiple sets with other tight ends, just so he can showcase his downhill acceleration as a receiving threat with size. If anyone on the roster can fill the mold of what Waller was supposed to be in New York, it is a player like Johnson.
Theo Johnson 2024 Fantasy Outlook
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According to Fantasy Pros, Theo Johnson is the 39th-ranked tight end in PPR right behind Bellinger, as both aren’t drafted in most fantasy leagues. The Giants have the 5th softest schedule against tight ends, so I could easily see either player having a few spike weeks by mid-season but overall, Johnson had a clear enough path to eventually become an offensive contributor.
Overall, the Giants tight end is the 323 ranked player in fantasy for PPR, as tight ends being drafted way above Johnson include Taysom Hill, David Njoku, and Trey McBride. Other rookie tight ends like Brock Bowers, Ben Sinnott, and Ja’Tavion Sanders are all above him, but Johnson could have less target competition in New York.
Final Thoughts On Theo Johnson
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With a new tight end coach in Tim Kelly, Theo Johnson could thrive off of touchdowns and his role could be over the middle on short and intermediate throws. Quarterback Daniel Jones doesn’t have much size in his receiving core besides wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins, who the Giants re-signed this offseason, and whatever veteran free agent signing Allen Robinson has left in the tank.
Rookie Nabers will be their featured dynamic weapon, but without running back Saquon Barkley, Devin Singletary will have to be their pass catcher out of the backfield. New York also has other veteran tight ends, but they are for blocking mostly, so Johnson could still flash on the field given the opportunity.
About the Author
Previously wrote for Fansided NFL Mocks, Pro Football Network, uInterview and uSports, The Crafty Kit, The Daily Culture, and Ironiq Media. Recent Journalism/ Media Studies Grad and wrote for Impact News, the award-winning news publication of Mercy College, now Mercy University.
Now writing for Total Apex, mostly sports like the NFL, college football, the NFL draft, and fantasy football, along with covering my favorite team, the Baltimore Ravens. Also writing for Total Apex E&G about my favorite movies, shows, anime, and sometimes gaming.
You can follow me on Instagram @kimandrew1357, on YouTube @andrewkim1357, and on Twitter (aka X) @kookykim1357.
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