With Hakeem Nicks able to test free agency in March, it’s quite possible Rueben Randle could have an even bigger role in the Giants’ receiving corps next season.
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, Giants G.M. Jerry Reese said the club anticipates “a significant jump” from Randle, a third-year pro, in 2014.
“We continue to expect him to grow and be a more mature player and be a strong contributor for us,” Reese said.
Randle has shown field-stretching ability in his brief NFL career, gaining 15.2 yards per catch. In his second NFL season, Randle hauled in 41 passes for 611 yards and led the team with six TD catches. He was third on the club in targets (79) behind Nicks (101) and Victor Cruz (122).
Randle does not turn 23 until May, making further development quite possible. On Saturday, Reese said the “jury’s still out” on whether Randle could become a go-to receiver.
“I think he’s a good player. I’m not sure if he’s a one, if he’s a two, if he’s a three, but I think he can contribute to our receiving corps,” Reese said.
All things considered, those are modest expectations for a talented player. If Randle can exceed those expectations, the Giants will reap the benefits — as will Randle, who can test free agency after the 2015 season.