Giants’ Theo Johnson: Is the Rookie TE Ready to Be Russell Wilson’s Next Favorite Target?
The New York Giants’ offense is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, and one of the most intriguing storylines is the potential connection between veteran quarterback Russell Wilson and second-year tight end Theo Johnson. With Wilson now at the helm, can Johnson emerge as a key target in the passing game, becoming the reliable weapon Wilson has often favored throughout his career?
Johnson’s Potential: A High-Ceiling Prospect
Theo Johnson, drafted by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, possesses a rare blend of size and athleticism that has scouts and coaches excited. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing around 260 pounds, Johnson ran a blazing 4.57 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, showcasing his impressive speed for a tight end. His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.99 was the best among tight ends in his class and the second-highest ever recorded at the position.
During his time at Penn State, Johnson demonstrated the ability to stretch the field and make contested catches. As a junior in 2022, he averaged an impressive 15.8 yards per catch, with 4 touchdowns and a stellar 158.3 QB rating when targeted. While his production wasn’t always consistent, his physical tools and flashes of brilliance were enough to convince the Giants to invest in his potential.
Wilson’s History: A Tight End’s Best Friend?
Russell Wilson has a proven track record of utilizing tight ends effectively in his offenses. Throughout his career, he has leaned on reliable targets like Jimmy Graham, Greg Olsen, and most recently, Pat Freiermuth in Pittsburgh. In 2016, Graham was targeted 95 times by Wilson, resulting in 65 catches. Last season, Freiermuth led the Steelers in receptions while playing with Wilson.
Wilson’s tendency to extend plays and look for receivers downfield could create opportunities for Johnson to thrive. As noted by Last Word On Sports, Wilson historically favors tight ends in scramble drills in the red zone. Johnson’s size and athleticism make him an ideal target in these situations, potentially leading to a significant uptick in his production.
The Giants’ Tight End Landscape: Opportunity Knocks
The Giants’ tight end room has been a revolving door in recent years, with no clear-cut star emerging. While Daniel Bellinger has shown flashes, he hasn’t consistently produced at a high level. Veteran Chris Manhertz is primarily known for his blocking prowess, while other options like Greg Dulcich and rookie Thomas Fidone II are still developing.
This creates a prime opportunity for Theo Johnson to seize the TE1 role and establish himself as a key component of the Giants’ offense. According to Giants.com, there was “a lot of conviction in the building” when the team drafted Johnson, with head coach Brian Daboll particularly impressed by his speed-size combination and potential for game-changing plays.
Training Camp Buzz: Building Chemistry
Early reports from Giants training camp suggest that Johnson is already making a strong impression. He’s been working closely with Russell Wilson to develop their chemistry and timing. According to Madelyn Burke, Johnson participated in throwing sessions with Wilson in Atlanta and noted that “from the very first interaction with him you can tell the guy knows a lot of ball… he loves football and every aspect of the game, which is infectious.”
Johnson has also been honing his skills at “Tight End University,” a camp run by NFL legends Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Greg Olsen. This extra work demonstrates his commitment to improving his game and becoming a valuable asset for the Giants.
Potential Roadblocks: Offensive Line Concerns and Target Competition
Despite the optimism surrounding Johnson’s potential, there are some potential roadblocks that could hinder his progress. One major concern is the Giants’ offensive line, which has struggled in recent years. According to Yahoo Sports, Russell Wilson’s tendency to hold onto the ball and take sacks could be problematic behind a shaky offensive line. If the line can’t provide adequate protection, Wilson may not have enough time to find Johnson downfield.
Additionally, Johnson will face competition for targets from other Giants receivers, most notably star wideout Malik Nabers. Nabers is expected to be the primary focus of the passing game, which could limit Johnson’s opportunities. Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton are also in the mix, potentially vying for targets.
The Verdict: A Breakout Season on the Horizon?
Despite these challenges, the stars seem to be aligning for Theo Johnson to have a breakout season in 2025. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism, coupled with Russell Wilson’s history of targeting tight ends, creates a favorable situation for him to thrive.
While it’s unlikely that Johnson will immediately become a Pro Bowl-caliber player, he has the potential to emerge as a reliable target for Wilson and a valuable weapon in the Giants’ offense. If he can continue to develop his chemistry with Wilson, improve his route running, and capitalize on his opportunities, Theo Johnson could very well become Russell Wilson’s next favorite target.