In Order To Stand Apart, Giants’ Isaiah Hodgins Uses “Other Gifts”

The New York Giants are hopeful that pass-catching positions can produce playmakers. Isaiah Hodgins, a wide receiver in his fourth year, is one interesting choice. A pivotal campaign awaits Hodgins in 2023.

In Order To Stand Apart, Giants’ Isaiah Hodgins Uses “Other Gifts”

Hodgins, the 207th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, played his first three seasons of professional football with the Buffalo Bills.

Hodgins signed up with the Giants in the middle of the 2022 season. After losing a lot of receivers to injuries, the Giants were seeking for someone who could start right away. After working with Buffalo’s general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll for several years, Hodgins brought familiarity. Hodgins seized his once-in-a-lifetime chance and exploited it.

“I know I’m not the fastest blazer in the world, but I try to win with my route-running and my physicality — knowing that I have some gifts that other people don’t,” said Hodgins, who along with Darius Slayton remains a primary outside target for quarterback Daniel Jones. “I try to work on top-of-the-route stuff, being deceptive and selling stuff with my eyes and shoulders, and having good hips. I focus on my strengths and use them to my advantage.”

Hodgins was signed by the Giants after being released by the Bills in November of last year, and he gave them the unexpected spark they sorely needed in the final stretch.

“I’m extremely confident in my ability, especially being with this team the full offseason and spending time with Daniel on and off the field,” he said. “But you are definitely going to have to be patient in this offense because we have so many playmakers. There are going to be games where you have 120 yards and the next game you have 40 yards and it’s like, ‘Ugh.’ There’s only one ball, so you have to be ready for anything.”

In 10 games, Hodgins had 42 receptions for 459 yards and 5 touchdowns.

The most important thing for a skill player in the pass game is they can create separation,” head coach Brian Daboll said. “Some use their size, some use their speed, some use their quickness [or] their route savviness. He’s been in the [offensive] system for quite some time. I think it allows him to play fast, knowing what to do. He’s usually on the same page with the quarterback. He’s done a good job.”

There is no cliché to characterize GIants receiver Isaiah Hodgins’ less-flashy superpower; speed kills, and size counts.

 

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