Is Receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton the Next Victor Cruz for Giants?

Can receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton crack the Giants crowded receiver room?

Author:
Andrew Parsaud
Publish date:
May 31, 2023 10:00 AM EDT

In this story:

Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Wide Receiver

Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 224 pounds
2022 stats*: GP 12 / GS 12: 62 receptions, 675 yards, 7 touchdowns

*College Stats at West Virginia

Receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton went undrafted this past April, with many speculating why. He wasn’t one of the top wide receivers in the class, but to some, he made a solid case to at least be drafted sometime during Day 3. Nevertheless, the Giants offered Ford-Wheaton an opportunity to show them his skillset, signing him as an undrafted free agent.

But this wasn't just any undrafted free-agent signing. The interesting thing about Ford-Wheaton’s deal is that the Giants gave him $236,000 in guaranteed money, more than a full-season salary for a practice squad player. This indicates that the Giants believe they have something with the former West Virginia wideout.

The potential is evident in Ford-Wheaton’s game. Even before he had one of the best performances of any player at any position at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, among those things to like about Ford-Wheaton's game is that he combines prototypical size (6-foot0-3 ¾ inches, 221 pounds) with elite athleticism (4.38-second 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical, 4.15-second short shuttle).

He also has solid ball skills, great competitiveness at the catch point, is a very physical blocker and can make highlight reel catches.

So why didn't Ford-Wheaton go as high as Jonathan Mingo, who has a similar athletic profile? Ford-Wheaton's hands are inconsistent, and his route running is still relatively unpolished. He also needs to stop the occasional fighting with the ball and let things come to him naturally.

His contested catch ability is unmatched, and he has a knack for making explosive plays. If Ford-Wheaton can clean up some technical things to his game, the Giants could potentially have something here.

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Best Case Scenario

The wide receiver room for the Giants this year heading into training camp is crowded. There are 14 wideouts on the roster, with Ford-Wheaton looking to earn a spot on the 53 over the summer. The Giants carried seven receivers heading into Week 1 last year, so Ford-Wheaton has some work to do.

The best case for him is that he can use his size to his advantage and minimize the mistakes that hinder his game. Ford-Wheaton is already one of the tallest wide receivers on the team, the same height as Isaiah Hodgins, Makai Polk, and fellow former Mountaineer David Sills V.

If Ford-Wheaton can put his size and athleticism on display during practices and in preseason and limit those concentration drops, he could make a serious push for a roster spot come August. A few big plays in those preseason games, a la Victor Cruz, wouldn’t hurt either.

Worst Case Scenario

The worst thing that could happen in Ford-Wheaton’s case is for him to get caught up in the numbers game. This year isn't like last season, when thanks to injuries and poor performances, the Giants had question marks at the receiver position.

Barring anything unexpected, the Giants receiver group is mostly set, with Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, Parris Campbell, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Sterling Shepard potential locks. If that’s the case, and if the Giants are looking to roll with seven wideouts like last year, then Ford-Wheaton will compete with six other guys for one spot.

Another problem that could arise is if Ford-Wheaton’s weaknesses overtake his strengths. If he cannot separate or the drop problem arises throughout the summer, it would be hard to make a case for him to make the roster at that point.

What to Expect in 2023

Bryce Ford-Wheaton's immediate NFL future is truly a toss-up. He’s an intriguing player with good size and athletic ability, so the Giants decided to take a flier on him. If he shows out in camp and the preseason, he could be on his way to a roster spot.

On the flip side, if he’s not progressing as fast as they’d hope, he likely won’t make the roster. The silver lining could be stashing him away on the practice squad, which seems like the Giants’ intentions.

Whatever happens with Ford-Wheaton this summer, the Giants believe they have something in him. It all depends on what he puts on tape for the coaches to evaluate.