The Giants had their pick of the elite offensive tackle group when they drafted at No. 4 overall last spring, and when the 2021 Draft rolls around, they might have the same luxury when it comes to wide receivers.
Big Blue will select No. 11 in this year’s draft, but TheDraftScout.com’s Matt Miller told Moose & Maggie on Wednesday that while the G-Men likely have no shot at star Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, they may have their pick of the receiver litter based on the way the draft has devalued the position lately.
“A wide receiver could be on the board there, and a good one. JaMarr Chase will go in the Top 10, but there could be scenarios where either Alabama wide receiver could be there,” Miller said.
The draft expert noted that many of the league’s current elite receivers were late-first or early second-round picks. Indeed, between 2015 and 2019, only seven wideouts were selected within the Top 16 picks, and of those, only one (Amari Cooper) could be considered a top-tier talent so far.
Last year, two Alabama receivers – Henry Ruggs at No. 12 and Jerry Jeudy at No. 15 – went in the top half, and while they were the first two of six first-round receivers selected, it was the second to last – Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson at No. 22 – who was one of two rookies named to the Pro Bowl.
So, while Chase and Pitts are likely Top 10 picks, Miller sees a scenario where, for the second straight year, two ‘Bama wideouts (in this case, Jaylen Waddle and Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith) could be on the board when the second ten kicks off.
“If you want a playmaker, you cross your fingers that one of those guys is there,” Miller said. “A lot of the Top 10 teams are linked to a quarterback or an offensive tackle, and it’s possible we could see five QBs and two tackles go in the Top 10 – and that’s good news for the Giants.”
So if either or both are available, which is the ideal play for Big Blue?
“It’s close, because they’re very different players. Smith has the best hands in this class and is a route runner, but he’s probably someone who will play in the slot, and be a move the chains guy,” Miller said. “Waddle, before he got hurt, was the biggest playmaker on that Alabama offense, and he’s more of a yards after catch deep threat.”
Of course, Waddle also comes with a troubling injury history, including an ankle injury that sacked much of his final season and saw him limping around for much of the National Championship Game. Smith broke his hand in that game, too, but despite Alabama’s rep, Miller isn’t too concerned.
“Injury concerns are legit with Saban players; the old joke was that if they played at Alabama, they’ve already had two surgeries, and probably two more you don’t know about,” Miller said. “They’ve changed their strength and conditioning and medical programs, but it’s still a question, especially an ankle injury with a wide receiver. It was horrible to watch Waddle limp around in the title game, but everything I’ve heard is his rehab is going well and he might even be ready for Alabama’s pro day.”
Check out Miller’s entire segment with Moose & Maggie below!
Follow WFAN's midday team on Twitter: @MandMWFAN, @MarcMalusis, and @MaggieGray
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch