Three ways Giants offense will look different, and maybe more explosive, this year

For the Giants offense, consistency in key areas might be the biggest reason to believe they can build on a solid first season under coach Brian Daboll. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka returned, along with quarterback Daniel Jones — on a four-year, $160 million contract — as well as other key contributors.

So while there will be some differences in personnel usage and schemes this season, it’s more accurate to say the offense will continue to evolve rather than outright change. One of the intended evolutions is becoming more explosive — New York ranked last in the NFL in explosive pass plays last season.

“I think that’s one thing we kind of did a deep dive on, is how can we … improve it to get some more of those opportunities or personnel to get the right people in the right spots?” offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said. “That’s our job — to make sure we do that the right way.”

With Jones back, here are three ways the Giants offense will look slightly different this season. (And be sure to check out how the defense will shape up differently, too.)

Tight ends

Then: Rookie reliance

Now: A big trade acquisition solidifies the group

The Giants didn’t add a star wide receiver this offseason. Instead, general manager Joe Schoen made a trade with Las Vegas to bring in veteran tight end Darren Waller.

“He’s a really talented player,” Kafka said last week. “He’s a great person. He’s a really good teammate. That’s one thing I’ve learned about him: He cares about his guys. He’s competitive, which we really like. We value that here.”

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Kafka’s coaching background traces back to Kansas City, where he worked with star tight end Travis Kelce, and Daboll’s coaching history goes back to New England, where he spent time with Rob Gronkowski. Suffice it to say, these coaches know how to scheme for an upper-level tight end. If Waller remains healthy after battling injuries the past few seasons, he could thrive as the No. 1 option in this passing offense.

Last season, rookie Daniel Bellinger was the group’s primary contributor — he played more than double the offensive snaps of any other Giants tight end — but now he can be a part of a one-two punch. Kafka said they’re still working through what the roles are between the personnel.

It’s worth mentioning Bellinger’s changed physique, with photos of his popping biceps making the rounds on social media during OTAs. Bellinger confirmed he has put on more muscle and has lost fat but said he is around the same weight. Bellinger already played a big role as a blocker in the run game, so with his increased strength, it will be interesting to see how that is deployed.

Asked his reaction when he first saw the photo, Daniel Bellinger says he thought “that’s really good lighting… Camera guy got me right on that one.” #Giants pic.twitter.com/fL8h02Lgao

— Madelyn Burke (@MadelynBurke) June 14, 2023

“I’m going to do what I can to help the team win,” Bellinger said when asked about his targets going down this season. “(Waller’s) a unicorn of a player. Whatever it takes to help us win, whether I get more or less, doesn’t matter to me. Whatever helps.”

Wide receiver

Then: Lack of continuity for the corps

Now: Abundance of options

Not only is Waller a star tight end, but he was also split out during the spring. His versatility to play on the outside adds an interesting wrinkle to a rather crowded pass-catching group, giving New York’s offensive coaching staff one of those good kinds of problems.

Mainly due to injuries, Jones rarely had a consistent receiving group to throw to last season. However, some of the more reliable contributors from last year are back, including Darius Slayton — who led the team in receiving yards — Isaiah Hodgins, Sterling Shepard and 2022 second-round pick Wan’Dale Robinson, with the latter two each recovering from torn ACLs.

To supplement the group, the Giants added free agent Parris Campbell, who looks to be an upgrade over Richie James — who owned a share of the team lead in receptions — in the slot role. Rookie third-rounder Jalin Hyatt will also be a roster lock, though his role is yet to be determined.

No matter how he’s used, Hyatt will be expected to contribute to the Giants’ search for more explosive plays.

Kafka said the skill players are working on trying to identify roles for themselves in a variety of ways.

“They’re doing a great job; they’re flying around, they’re communicating well,” Kafka said. “When you get into Year 2 of the offense, things are obviously a little bit smoother because you’ve heard it already a few more times, you’ve been through some of those situations already and you have some stuff that you can fall back on.”

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Center

Then: Veteran presence

Now: Fresh face

The Giants had a big offensive line question to answer following the departures of Jon Feliciano and Nick Gates. The NFL Draft offered the response when the Giants picked Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz in the second round.

The rookie is battling with Ben Bredeson for the starting spot. The pair alternated at first-team center during the spring. Bredeson has never played center full time, but the Giants believe he’s capable. Camp will offer more insight once the pads come on. It will also determine how the rest of the offensive line shakes out. If Bredeson doesn’t win the starting center job, he could start at left guard if he wins the job over Josh Ezeudu.

“That’s a big part of the evaluation process, not just with the O-line but all of the position groups and the physicality of it,” Kafka said. “It’s a little ways away, but I think everyone is on schedule.”

(Photo of Darren Waller: Rich Schultz / Getty Images)