It’s been just over a year since the New York Giants dealt their superstar WR Odell Beckham Jr. along with defensive end Olivier Vernon to the Cleveland Browns for a package deal including draft picks, right guard Kevin Zeitler and safety Jabrill Peppers. Despite his antics, Beckham was one of the most talented players the Giants have ever had at the receiver position.
When Saquon Barkley was selected with the second overall pick in 2018, Giants fans were tantalized by the idea of an offense that now consisted of Beckham, Barkley, Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram. A few flashy plays here and there but the season ultimately fell short with a 5-11 record. After Beckham’s departure, we are left with a serviceable WR corps, littered with injury-prone players.
While Darius Slayton showed promise and looked to be one of the steals of the 2019 draft, the New York Giants could, and should, look to bolster their wide receiving squad starting in the third round. Luckily, this a very deep draft for several positions, including the receiver. Now, while the Jerry Jeudy’s and CeeDee Lamb’s of the world will both likely be gone in the first round along with others such as Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III and Clemson’s Tee Higgins, there are still. several interesting options in the later rounds.
1. Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State.
Aiyuk is definitely a considerable selection in the late rounds for the Giants. A beast in yards after the catch, Aiyuk is a big-play threat that can absolutely contribute to any offense.
2. Chase Claypool, Notre Dame.
Claypool has great size and strength to be a big body outside the receiver. With his large frame a body positioning, his performance in contested catches is where he finds the most success.
3. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan.
A great blend of size, hands, and ball skills, Peoples-Jones can prove to be a nice addition in the slot, as well as contribute on special teams as a returner. A tremendous athlete who can create leverage as a route runner could absolutely be useful.
4. Michael Pittman Jr, USC.
Pittman Jr. possesses a lot of good skills to bring to a wide receiving group. A very tough a physical receiver, he is an exceptional run-blocker, which would be perfect to maximize Saquon’s skillset.
5. K.J. Hamler, Penn State.
An exceptional route runner with terrific speed, Hamler is a receiver that the Giants would be lucky to fall to the third round. If he does, in fact, fall out of the first two rounds, Hamler should be a serious consideration.