Can the 24-Year-Old Wide Receiver Be an Effective Number Two for the Giants?

The 2025 New York Giants offense will obviously run through Malik Nabers, who emerged as one of the league’s most electrifying young wideouts last year. But with all eyes on Nabers, the Giants’ current number two option, Wan’Dale Robinson, has flown under the radar. Since being drafted in 2022, Robinson’s career has been defined more by flashes than consistency. Injuries and a revolving door at quarterback limited his production, and last season, he finished with just 699 yards and three touchdowns. Those raw numbers don’t tell the full story. The “eye test” shows a player with explosive quickness, sharp route-running, and underrated toughness after the catch. 

Robinson quietly became a focal point of the passing game, recording 11 games with eight or more targets. Now, with Russell Wilson under center, Robinson is set up for the most stable quarterback situation of his career. Wilson’s game has shifted from his Seattle deep-ball prime to a quicker, more timing-based style. This is a system that plays directly into Robinson’s strengths as a slot and underneath weapon. For the first time, Robinson has both the quarterback and offensive structure to maximize his skill set.

The numbers from 2024 also point to a potential breakout. Robinson trailed only Nabers in targets with 140, nearly doubling Darius Slayton’s 71. That massive gap shows just how much trust the coaching staff already has in him. With defenses likely keying in on Nabers after his incredible rookie season, Robinson should see softer coverage, more single matchups, and opportunities to create after the catch. If Wilson establishes rhythm with him early, Robinson could realistically push past the 1,000-yard mark.

Robinson’s role also fits seamlessly within the Giants’ offensive balance. Nabers provides the explosive, all-around threat, while Slayton stretches defenses vertically. Robinson complements both by working the middle of the field, providing Wilson with a reliable outlet on critical downs. That trio could give the Giants their most well-rounded receiving corps in years, especially with Daboll’s play designs that emphasize pre-snap motion and mismatches.

Around the league, Robinson’s name isn’t generating much buzz, but Giants fans who’ve followed his development know better. He’s shown growth every season, and the combination of target volume, improved quarterback play, and defensive attention shifting toward Nabers creates a perfect storm for a breakout. The Giants’ 2025 success will largely hinge on their ability to elevate the passing game beyond Nabers. If Robinson steps up as a true WR2, New York’s offense could surprise a lot of people.