There’s a lot of reasons why the New York Giants would want DeVonta Smith, but they may have a hard time getting the receiver at their current spot. Smith is the current Heisman winner and one of few receivers to pull off the accomplishment, and the Giants look like one of the best fits for him in the NFL – but other teams seem likely to take the Alabama receiver first.
CBS Sports, however, has predicted a different course. Their latest mock draft has the Giants taking Smith at number 11, after LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase is the first receiver off the board.
The Giants have a lot of needs — edge rusher, cornerback, offensive lineman, tight end — but it’s hard to pass up on the best player in college football. Smith is an out-of-this-world talent whose only shortcoming is that he’s undersized. His slight frame didn’t limit his effectiveness during his Alabama career and he gives Daniel Jones an immediate downfield threat in New York.
What are the odds Smith is available?
At first it seemed like there was little chance Smith would fall to the Giants following his Heisman campaign. After the National Championship Game, there might be more of a chance than there was earlier. Smith was injured in that game with a dislocated finger, and while it doesn’t sound like the most serious injury, he did undergo surgery for it.
In the grand scheme of things, though, it’s unlikely the Giants would have a chance to acquire a better receiver. Injury or no injury. It’s doubtful it would deter the Giants from taking him if available, but may give an edge to Ja’Marr Chase in the prospect rankings and prevent Smith from being the first receiver picked.
Smith is one of the best weapons the Giants could add this offseason to help Daniel Jones and it looks like the team has good odds of selecting him if he’s available. While it’s not a sure bet that Smith will be around where the Giants are picking, it’s not entirely impossible either and some mock drafts still see things going that way.