By Michael Stewart | NY Giants Rush Contributor
The Giants have plenty of Wide Receiver Depth
This year’s 2015 Wide Receiver prospects are arguably as deep as the 2014 class. Which bodes well for the Giants as GM Jerry Reese could be in search for one in this year’s draft.
The signing of WR Kevin Ogletree & Dwayne Harris were strictly a decision to add depth and improve the KR/PR, as WR Jerrel Jernigan remains the only notable Free agent WR in-house and all indication is that the Giants will not re-sign him.
Reese could look into free agency and there are plenty of talented receivers available; however; Reese will be very selective on which free agents to bring in. That brings us back to the draft and for argument sake; let’s assume that Reese will be targeting a WR on draft day.
The following list of Wide Receivers could be available to the Giants in each round:
Round 1
Amari Cooper (Alabama) 6’1/211 Speed & size combination makes Cooper a future star in the NFL.
DeVante Parker (Louisville) 6’3/209 Just a notch below Cooper, but has star written all over him.
Kevin White (West Virginia) 6’3/215 109 catches/1,447 yards/10 TD. Had a great combine.
Round 2
Dorial Green-Beckham (Oklahoma) 6’5/237 Immense skill set with upside to develop, off field issues.
Devin Funchess (Michigan) 6’5/235 Funchess could eventually become a TE at the NFL level.
Sammie Coates (Auburn) 6’1/212 Needs a little development, but all the tools are there
Round 3
Tyler Lockett (Kansas State) 5’10/182 Tough for his size with enough speed to separate.
Phillip Dorsett (Miami) 5’10/185 Elite speed & excellent route runner. A steal in rd. 3.
Josh Harper (Fresno State) 6’1/191 No Combine invite hurt him despite 90/1,097/7 TD.
Round 4
Vince Mayle (Wash State) 6’2/224 Great stats 16/1,483/9 although against weaker competition.
Austin Hill (Arizona) 6’2/210 Inconsistent with just a glimpse of what he could become
Deontay Greenberry (Houston) 6’3/198 Lots of potential on Greenberry, could be a steal or a flop.
Round 5
Dezmin Lewis (Central Arkansas) 6’4/214 Reliable WR with 64 catches/945 yards/9 TD.
Antwan Goodley (Baylor) 5’10/209 Produced more in the slot and is well-built.
Rannell Hall (Central Florida) 6/198 Respectful stats, could be an excellent depth WR at the pro level.
Round 6
Kenny Bell (Nebraska) 6’1/197 Another WR who would add depth to any NFL roster, excellent blocker.
Titus Davis (Central Michigan) 6’1/196 Smooth & quick, 204/3,705/37 career stats. Could be a sleeper.
Chris Conley (Georgia) 6’2/213 Had a monster combine, could go as early as the 4th rd.
Round 7
Davante Davis (UNLV) 6’3/220 34 catches/599 yards in only 9 games. Good size and average speed.
Jordan Taylor (Rice) 6’5/204 Tall and lean, could add more muscle & contribute for an NFL team.
Evan Spencer (Ohio State) 6’2/208 Could add depth and contribute on special teams
Final Thoughts: GM Jerry Reese could very well not even consider drafting a WR or even signing one in free agency if he truly believes that the WR’s currently on the roster are efficient (Odell Beckham Jr., Rueben Randle, Victor Cruz, Preston Parker, Corey Washington, Kevin Ogletree and Marcus Harris).
Also, Reese might still believe that the group of WR’s on reserve (Julian Talley, Chris Harper & Juron Criner) could emerge as a contributor this season. However; the little voice inside my head tells me that if a quality receiver is still on board (between rounds 3-6); it will be hard for Reese to resist and pass on him.