2012 NFL Free Agents: Martellus Bennett Can Be a Star for New York Giants

The New York Post reported that the Giants have signed former Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett to a one-year contract. The 25-year-old can become a star in New York.

The youngster has the physical skill set to quickly become a dangerous and invaluable contributor to the Giants offense.

The 6'6", 270-pounder possesses prototypical tight end size. He combines the quickness to stretch the middle zones, with the height to out jump and overpower any defender in coverage.

Bennett offers an element of dynamism that the Giants have been missing for some time at the tight end position. He is the kind of big and explosive over the middle target Eli Manning excels at utilizing.

Bennett will benefit from the attention paid to Victor Cruz, who certainly attracts a crowd when attacking on slant routes from the slot position. Drops have been an issue in his short career. Yet Manning can get the best out of any pass catcher.

Where Bennett can be particularly useful is as a blocker. He is powerful at the point of attack and has the frame and length to match up with linemen, as well as with linebackers.

Bennett will be a real asset as a supplementary blocker for Big Blue's aging front five. With Bennett added to the mix, expect the running game to register a significant improvement in 2012.

Concerns about Bennett's lack of production during his four-year career are perfectly reasonable. By signing Bennett to a one-year contract, the Giants won't lose much if he is guilty of the same lackluster performances that blighted his time in Dallas.

The Giants' disciplined and veteran roster, along with their experienced coaching staff, can ensure that Bennett commits to realizing his tremendous potential.