New York Giants

The Giants have a plan to use Dwayne Harris on offense

Published Apr. 27, 2015 8:49 a.m. ET

foxsports

When the Giants signed Dwayne Harris to a five-year, $17.5 million contract this offseason, Giants fans and media alike were a bit confused. The former Cowboy had been used primarily as a special teams player on both sides of the ball, as a return man and a gunner. On the surface, that seems like a lot of salary cap to allocate to someone who projects only to the special teams. But the Giants may have another plan for Harris in 2015 and beyond.

Harris, who has just 57 career catches, explains that the Giants have already broken down their plan to feature him in special offensive packages as a wide receiver.

"That is exactly why I chose to come here," Harris said to the media, as reported by Nick Powell of True Jersey. "They do look at me as a receiver and the things I can do on the offensive end. The things I did in Dallas limited me because I was doing a lot of special team work and then outside of that I was blocking for DeMarco Murray.

As a return man, Harris has been able to show off his ability in the open field. This trait translates well on offense with the NFL game moving toward plays designed to highlight what a wide receiver can do after the catch. In the Giants' offense specifically, under second year offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, this trait means even more. McAdoo's offense features quick-breaking routes that are often designed to get the ball out of quarterback Eli Manning's hands fast.

Harris is excited for the opportunity to prove that he is not just a special teams ace.

"I was one of the guys who was on the field all the time except when the defense was on the field. Being able to come here and show people I can play receiver and the things I can do when I have the ball in my hands is going to be fun for me. I think it is going to be fun for the organization to see what I can do."

Harris is not sure exactly what McAdoo has in mind for him on the offensive side of the ball, but he can't wait to find out.

"They have a lot of different situational things they are going to put me in," Harris said. "It is going to be kind of similar to Dallas but a bigger role. I think that they are going to put me in situations where I can go out and make plays. I really don't know exactly what Coach McAdoo has in store for what they want me to do exactly, but they described to me that they will use me more as a situational guy to come in and do different things."

Knowing what we know about Tom Coughlin's tenure as head coach, I wouldn't expect any trick plays featuring Harris or any other Giant player, but he can certainly find some kind of role within this offense. Harris will look to establish himself as the main slot receiver in the early sessions of OTAs and training camp as Victor Cruz continues to rehab and recover.

(h/t True Jersey)

Photo Credit: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports

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