New York Giants' Theo Johnson feels 'huge difference' entering Year 2
Though New York spent a seventh-round pick on Thomas Fidone II out of Nebraska during the 2025 NFL draft, the offense is going to be leaning heavily on the development of Theo Johnson as he heads into his second season in the league.
During an appearance on the "Giants Huddle" podcast, Johnson explained why he feels more comfortable going into his second season after his rookie campaign was ended prematurely due to a foot injury.
"I felt it coming on the more comfortable I got," Johnson said. "Just feeling what it's like to be in my groove, like now having an idea, like I've got this many games under my belt, this is what it's gotta look like. Just as it was like, man, I could really finish on a high note this year, the injury happened, which was super discouraging. But encouraging at the same time, because it was like, now I know I'm going to have a full offseason to kind of prepare and figure things out. I definitely felt like I was catching on at the right time. Unfortunately, the injury kind of put a hold on that."
After being selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft out of Penn State, there were high hopes that Johnson would be able to carve out a role in the Giants' offense. It seemed he was on his way to achieving that objective before his injury.
He started 11 games during his rookie campaign, logging 29 receptions for 331 yards and one touchdown. Those aren't the most eye-opening numbers, but a deeper dive into his progression shows a player who was on the cusp of a breakout.
Over the final four games before his foot injury, Johnson recorded 15 receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown. On a 17-game pace, that extrapolates to 64 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns.
Now, going into Year 2, Johnson is ready to make good on those hopes of becoming a major asset in the passing game.
"Huge, huge difference," Johnson said. "I know what it's like to be a professional football player now. I was learning as I went week by week [as a rookie]."
The Giants will need Johnson to step into a bigger role with Russell Wilson set to begin the season under center, and it appears he's ready to take advantage of the opportunity.
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