EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Newly acquired tight finish Darren Waller is embracing the change of surroundings and strategy from the New York Giants after 5 seasons with the Raiders.
Most notably, Waller feels empowered within the tradition that coach Brian Daboll has established in comparison with his earlier stops.
“Yeah, they worth our opinions right here,” Waller mentioned Thursday after standing out within the Giants’ third Organized Workforce Exercise exercise this spring. “As a participant, I really feel like a variety of locations I’ve gone, you are informed to do issues a sure means and also you do these issues. However right here it is like, they ask a variety of questions. They wish to know what you are pondering, what you wish to do extra.
“So to supply enter is a extremely cool factor as a result of coaches and gamers need to be in partnership. We’re all collectively and should not be clashing with one another. We’re all stepping into the identical route.”
This can be a staple of Daboll’s strategy. He famously was employed by the Giants and instantly requested quarterback Daniel Jones and lots of the group’s high playmakers to ship him their favourite performs. Daboll took these performs into consideration when establishing the playbook for final season, when New York went 9-7-1 and received a playoff video games.
Waller’s yr did not go as seamlessly. He involves the Giants after 5 seasons with the Raiders, the place he performed underneath Jon Gruden and, most not too long ago, Josh McDaniels. Neither have the repute as essentially the most player-friendly coaches.
Las Vegas dealt Waller six months after signing him to a then-record $51 million contract extension. He had an uneven marketing campaign final season that was affected by accidents. Waller had simply 28 catches for 388 yards and three in 9 video games, his least productive season since his first yr with the Raiders.
It was difficult on a number of fronts. The connection between Waller and the Raiders was characterised as “rocky” by one supply near the tight finish who informed ESPN earlier this offseason. Specifically, there was some extent of competition when Waller left throughout the bye week to suggest to Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum as an alternative of rehabbing and did not present the group a proof of the place he was going.
That is all previously now. The Giants provided a contemporary begin.
“It is completely different from group to group. I am on my third now. There’s completely different cultures in every single place you go. There may be various kinds of energies,” Waller mentioned. “This can be a actually gentle place, a extremely enjoyable place, a extremely empowering place the place you simply be your self at all times. And so long as you are not placing the group in danger by getting a flag or issues like that, you’ll be able to actually let your character present.
“That is what I really like about being right here. It is simply been enjoyable. It is also been difficult. Guys holding you to a excessive customary since I received right here and I attempt to reciprocate that.”
The Giants have massive plans for Waller. He is thought-about their No. 1 receiver.
It took all of 1 play Thursday to acknowledge his presence. Waller beat slot cornerback Darnay Holmes badly off the road of scrimmage and caught a deep move down the proper sideline from Jones. It instantly exemplified the type of influence they’re hoping the dynamic playmaker has in Daboll’s offense.
These have been the kind of massive performs the Giants lacked final season, and envisioned when buying and selling a third-round decide to the Raiders for the Waller. New York completed lifeless final within the NFL with simply 28 move performs of 20+ yards.
The primary few months have been encouraging. It isn’t simply on the sector the place the Giants have been impressed working with Waller.
“He is a real professional,” Daboll mentioned. “He is been actually good for us within the assembly rooms, provides good enter. Good communicator. Has some management abilities. He is been a great man to work with.”
The great vibes are being reciprocated.