The New York Giants made a recent addition to their roster by signing wide receiver Miles Boykin, as revealed on X. According to NYG digital media coordinator Matt Citak, Boykin, initially drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2019, has accumulated 33 receptions, 470 yards, and seven touchdowns in his three seasons with them. Despite his imposing stature of 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Boykin’s performance in the NFL hasn’t fully matched expectations. Although he showcased promise in 2020 with 266 receiving yards and four touchdowns, his offensive contributions have been limited since then.
Boykin’s value primarily lies in his role on special teams, particularly as an effective gunner on punt coverage, as highlighted by Giants WFAN beat reporter Paul Dottino. This aligns with the Giants’ emphasis on bolstering their special teams unit, as noted by both Dottino and The Athletic’s Dan Duggan. Duggan suggests that Boykin will likely vie with Bryce Ford-Wheaton for a spot on the roster, emphasizing the Giants’ focus on special teams performance under the leadership of head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen.
Giants Loading Up on Collection of WRs, Setting Stage for Multiple Training Camp Competitions
Following the signing of Boykin, the Giants’ wide receiver count on the 90-man roster stands at 10, indicating a forthcoming intense competition during the summer. Here is the current roster of contenders at the wide receiver position:
Darius Slayton (de facto WR1).
Wan’Dale Robinson (2022 second rounder).
Jalin Hyatt (2023 third rounder).
Isaiah McKenzie (gadget WR/returner).
Gunner Olszewski (gadget WR/returner).
Isaiah Hodgins (6-foot-3 red zone threat/staff favorite).
Boykin (6-foot-4 red zone threat/special teamer).
Ford-Wheaton (2023 UDFA/also 6-foot-4/special teamer).
Dennis Houston (2022 UDFA cast-off/practice squad candidate).
Chase Cota (2023 UDFA cast-off/practice squad candidate).
As evident, there are numerous overlapping pairs and trios among the Giants’ wide receiver group, paving the way for several camp competitions, such as McKenzie versus Olszewski or Boykin versus Ford-Wheaton as mentioned earlier.
The upcoming draft is also anticipated to add an element of intrigue, with the Giants likely to select one or two rookies at this position. Considering potential undrafted free agents as well, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Giants entered mandatory minicamp with approximately 13 or 14 wide receivers on the 90-man roster.
New Giants WR Miles Boykin Appeared on 4 Special Teams Units With Steelers & Ravens
As previously mentioned, Boykin has demonstrated potential as a key contributor on special teams and a dependable depth option at wide receiver for the Giants, should he secure a spot on the team in 2024.
Since entering the league, Boykin has steadily increased his involvement in special teams, logging a career-high 316 special teams snaps with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, as reported by Pro Football Focus.
Throughout his professional career, Boykin has been utilized on four different special teams units, including kick return, kick return coverage, punt return, and punt return coverage. Notably, he has not been involved in field goal or field goal block units.
Boykin’s performance in special teams has earned him his highest Pro Football Focus grades in 2022 and 2023, scoring 67.9 and 68.3, respectively. Over the past two seasons, he has tallied 12 special teams tackles while missing only five tackles. Furthermore, Boykin has a clean track record in terms of penalties, having never been flagged for a special teams infraction.
Despite his potential contributions, Boykin’s roster spot with the Giants in 2024 is not assured and will depend on his performance during training camp and preseason.
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