The New York Giants ranked 30th overall in total offense in 2020. Averaging approximately just 17 points per game, the offense needs a major overhaul if they want to be competitive in 2021. Adding more playmakers, whether it is through the NFL draft or free agency, is imperative to improve their offensive production. The Giants currently hold the 11th overall selection, so there will be a bevy of viable options to choose from.
1. Kyle Pitts: TE, Florida
Kyle Pitts is my personal preference for the Giants’ first-round selection, and if he is available, Dave Gettleman should pull the trigger without hesitation. A 6’5, 239-pound perfect blend of speed and athleticism, Pitts is the quintessential tight end/wide receiver hybrid that is perfect for today’s NFL. Pitts has been compared to Raiders’ star tight end Darren Waller, and if the Giants could implement him into their offense, his production could be very beneficial. Now the question for most fans would be, “but why would they draft a tight end when they have Evan Engram?” The answer goes beyond the fact that Pitts is just simply a better prospect than Engram was. The best move for the Giants, or any team that drafts Pitts, would be to cross-train him as a receiver and a tight end to maximize his value. His presence on the field will do much more for that offense than I think most people realize. In my opinion, drafting Pitts is the Giants’ best-case scenario.
2. Jaylen Waddle: WR, Alabama
Waddle is another extremely enticing prospect that the Giants should very much consider if he is available. At 5’10, 182 pounds, Waddle is a speedster with dangerous twitch. Somehow overshadowed by his Alabama teammates Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, and 2020 Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, Waddle was still incredibly productive in his tenure with the Crimson Tide. Only playing in four games in 2020 before fracturing his ankle, which resulted in surgery in October, Waddle still managed to log 28 receptions for 591 yards and four touchdowns. He is an incredibly dynamic receiver that could open up a lot of opportunities for Daniel Jones and the offense in 2021. Maybe Joe Judge’s Alabama connections can land the star receiver in New York.
3. Rashod Bateman: WR, Minnesota
Bateman is one of the most electrifying prospects in the draft. A very impressive route runner, I think Bateman could be one of the best players to come out of this draft class. Ball skills, along with the toughness and grit to play on the outside, is just the type of weapon that could propel the offense. Bateman has tremendous awareness and speed that will help Jones.
There are several theories as to why the Giants’ offense stalled throughout the season. Barkley missing the season with an ACL injury, doubts about Daniel Jones’ abilities, and Jason Garrett’s play-calling can all be reasons to be debated amongst the fanbase. One thing is for sure, adding playmakers to this offense will benefit the production immediately.