Second String, On The Bubble: Larry Donnell
Larry Donnell has the most NFL experience out of the pack, jockeying for the likely two remaining tight end slots, having been about as hot and cold a receiver as you’ll ever see during his career.
The Grambling State product burst onto the scene in 2014 against the Washington Redskins with a huge seven catches for 54 yards and three touchdowns.
He would eventually putter out down the stretch, breaking the 30 yards receiving mark just three times during the team’s final nine games of the regular season.
Eli #Manning to Larry #Donnell for the game winner!#NFL #Football #NY #Giants #DFS pic.twitter.com/71zZDOlNuw
— Sportsy Duel (@SportsyDuel) October 12, 2015
In 2015, he provided much of the same big play potential with the frustrating miscues thrown in every now and then.
He scored a game winning touchdown, hanging onto the football over two defenders against the 49ers, and also overcame fumbling issues that had plagued him the season before.
Aside from that though, he put forth a relatively quiet 2015 season having never accumulating more than 38 yards receiving in any single game.
A neck injury forced him out of action halfway through the season, leaving him with season totals of 29 catches for 229 yards and two touchdowns through eight games played.
Donnell’s season-ending neck injury was enough to make him contemplate early retirement this off season, but he was eventually cleared by doctors and presumably healthy and ready to play.
The almost career ending neck injury will be something the team takes into account when making their decision on who makes the roster, although Donnell’s prior experience both in the NFL and catching passes from Manning will give him an early edge in training camp.
Donnell has never been a great blocker and the only value he offers the team is his huge 6’6″ frame in the passing game. If one of the tight ends behind him outplays him as a receiver, Donnell could be sent packing.
