Athletic freaks the NY Giants should target in each round of the NFL Draft
By David Solow
Round 2 Targets
Denzel Mims-WR, Baylor
Why the NY Giants should target him: Arguably the player that improved his stock the most at this year’s combine, Mims would give Daniel Jones a dangerous weapon on the outside. Mims’ elite speed, agility, and route running will allow him to get separation from NFL corners. The aging Golden Tate was one of the worst receivers in the NFL at getting separation from defenders in 2019 and is a candidate to be cut if the Giants go in this direction.
Freakish athleticism: According to Mim’s agent, Julio Jones is the only other receiver his size who ran a 4.3 40-yard dash and a 6.6 3-cone drill. Mim’s time in the 3-cone drill was the best of any participant in the 2020 NFL scouting combine. Some scouts believe the 3-cone drill, which measures short-range agility and body control, is the most important drill in evaluating which player will best apply his skills to the gridiron in the NFL.
Personal excitement level if drafted: (4/10) The Giants have so many needs on defense and the offensive line. I feel like they don’t have the luxury of drafting a receiver in the first three rounds.
Erza Cleveland-OT, Boise State
Why the NY Giants should target him: The Giants need a long-term solution at left tackle. Cleveland has shown he has the athleticism to protect Daniel Jones blind-side and help solidify the offensive line. His ability to pass block would enable the Giants to feel comfortable putting him into the starting line-up on day one.
Freakish athleticism: Erza is very athletic and fluid in pass protection, with the ability to kick-slide and effectively mirror edge rushers. He helped himself immensely at the combine by putting up 30 bench press reps at 225 and ran a 4.93-second 40 with a very good 1.73 10-yard split. His 7.26-second three-cone time was the best among any offensive lineman at the combine.
Personal excitement level if drafted: (7/10) I would be very excited if the Giants were able to draft a starter on the offensive line on day 2. There are concerns about Cleveland’s play strength, but I think he has a big enough frame to develop into a very solid NFL offensive tackle. His quickness and ability to stay in front of athletic pass rushers is something the Big Blue desperately needs.