For Miles Boykin to secure a spot on the New York Giants roster in 2024, his chances hinge not on flashy receiving skills but rather on the essential contributions he’s made as a dedicated special teams player and an effective run blocker. His ability to perform the foundational work that often goes unnoticed will be key to his potential inclusion in the lineup, as teams increasingly value versatility and reliability in their players.

Now, let’s conduct a detailed analysis of Boykin as we continue our comprehensive review of each player on the Giants’ 90-man roster.

Miles Boykin: A Physical Specimen with Untapped Potential

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 220
Age: 27
Position: Wide receiver
Experience: 5 years
Contract: $1,292,500 | 2024 cap hit: $1,152,500 | Guaranteed: $117,500

Miles Boykin’s NFL Journey: From Draft to Current Status

Selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Boykin was the 93rd overall pick, representing a significant investment in his potential. During his first two seasons, he managed to secure 32 receptions, showcasing his size and strength by converting 24 of those catches into vital first downs. This early promise highlighted his capabilities within the Ravens’ offense, but his trajectory has since shifted.

In recent years, Boykin’s role has transitioned primarily to that of a special teams contributor. Over the past three seasons, he has recorded only six receptions—one with the Ravens and five more with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His contributions in the last season were particularly focused on run blocking, where he played a crucial role on 92 of the 121 offensive snaps, demonstrating his ability to adapt to the team’s needs.

Boykin’s involvement in special teams has notably increased, playing 63% of special teams snaps over eight games during his time in Baltimore in 2021. This participation rose to 50% (207 snaps) in 16 games with Pittsburgh in 2022 and peaked at 70% (316 snaps) last season, solidifying his reputation as a reliable asset in this critical area of the game.

Forecasting Miles Boykin’s Role in the 2024 Giants’ Lineup

Barring unforeseen changes, it is evident that Boykin’s best chance to make the Giants’ 53-man roster will largely depend on his value in special teams. His extensive experience across various special teams roles—including kickoff return, kickoff coverage, punt return, and as a gunner in punt protection—positions him as a versatile player who can contribute significantly beyond just offensive plays.

The competition for the wide receiver spots this summer is expected to be fierce, with notable players such as Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt already in the mix. Other candidates vying for the final two or three roster spots include Boykin, Isaiah Hodgins, Isaiah McKenzie, Gunner Olszewski, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Allen Robinson, and potentially undrafted free agent Ayir Asante. This competitive environment will challenge Boykin to leverage his unique skill set effectively.