There is room for another wide receiver to step up for the New York Giants, but so far, one “productive” veteran isn’t seizing the opportunities available at training camp.
It’s the damning verdict from Dan Duggan of The Athletic about 30-year-old Zach Pascal. Duggan detailed how the former Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals wideout proved less than helpful to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart during practice on Tuesday, July 29.
As Duggan described, “Dart didn’t have many opportunities. He was victimized by a drop from veteran WR Zach Pascal near the sideline. Pascal, who had some productive seasons early in his career, has failed to stand out despite so many opportunities available at WR.”
This isn’t the news the Giants want to hear about a proven-catcher expected to add some reliability and big-play potential to a wide receiver corps still in a state of flux. At the very least, Pascal can help another receiver for Big Blue successfully transition to a new role.
Zach Pascal Missing Vital Opportunity for Giants
Last year’s first-round draft pick Malik Nabers is the undisputed star at the top of the depth chart, but the Giants are lacking consistent playmakers beyond him. Veteran Darius Slayton has some talent as a consistent deep threat, but Pascal should be filling a void.
It’s a void created by the inconsistency of Jalin Hyatt, another true burner, but one who has yet to live up to the hype. More gaps are evident after a special teams standout suffered a gruesome injury, leading to the Giants bringing back a former All-Pro.
The latter move has worrying implications for Pascal, who has his own experience as a kick returner. Experience the Giants apparently don’t need when a notable X factor is already a demon in that area.
What they do need is for somebody to take over a multi-purpose role in their offense once occupied by Wan’Dale Robinson.
Giants Need a New Wan’Dale Robinson
He was supposed to be a screen game star and run-after-catch specialist who could move around and also spend time in the backfield, but Robinson wants something more direct. Specifically, the second-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft “wants more opportunities to make plays downfield and said he expected to line up outside more often,” according to Duggan.
Robinson got his wish early in training camp when he snagged this moon-ball from Russell Wilson with one hand.
Turning Robinson loose in the deep passing game more often creates an opportunity for Pascal to be the dual-threat option underneath. He did something similar during his peak years with the Colts, when Pascal twice topped 600 yards receiving and also ran the ball on occasion.
What Pascal needs to do now is make more plays like this contested grab in traffic, highlighted by Nick Falato of SB Nation’s Big Blue View.
Pascal can still earn some pages in the playbook as a moveable, slot-style receiver. One who can who also be sent in motion and flexed into the backfield to create confusion and manufacture some quick hitters for a Giants offense still searching for more playmaking potential at every level.
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