Giants turn to Boss at TE

New York addressed one of its biggest remaining needs when the Giants selected Western Oregon’s Kevin Boss in the fifth round. Boss, a four-year starter for the Wolves, ranked fourth out of the 16 tight ends at the combine.

“Kevin Boss is a gigantic (6-6, 252) tight end who runs well,” Giants GM Jerry Reese said. “He played at a low level of comp, but he dominated his level of competition. He can catch it, he can run with it after he catches the ball.”

In 33 games at Western Oregon, Boss caught 134 passes for 1,590 yards and 19 touchdowns.

According to Ourlads, Boss is a good natural athlete with above average hands; he has the frame to add more muscle mass and weight. Some NFL experts compare him to former Raiders standout Dave Caspar.

Reese admitted that Boss is “more of a receiver right now than a blocker.” But he believes he can develop in the blocking department.

“As a receiver, you either have natural ability or you don’t,” Reese said. “I think it’s harder to develop your receiving skills than your blocking skills. The blocking skills come when you get stronger and you get pro coaching and the technique is better for you. It’s much easier to develop a blocker than a receiver.”

Reese believes that before too long Boss will be Jeremy Shockey’s top backup.

“We think Kevin can come in and develop as a number two tight end for us,” he said. “He’ll start out as a three (behind Darcy Johnson) and develop into a solid number two tight end for us.”