New York Giants: 7 Round post free agency mock draft

RD 7: WR Joe Reed

The New York Giants go with a luxury pick with their final selection of the draft, when they select wide receiver Joe Reed out of the University of Virginia. This pick is one that is made by new Giants head coach Joe Judge, as Reed represents an excellent option as a kick and punt returner for New York.

Reed possesses elite speed and excellent field vision, which made him a threat as a return man for the Cavaliers. Reed took five kick returns back for touchdowns in four seasons as Virginia’s main kick return option. He averaged over 760 kick return yards per season while in college.

At only 6’1″ and 215-pounds, Reed isn’t an overly big receiver but could provide added depth at the slot position or on the occasional vertical route. However, Reed wasn’t utilized heavily in the receiving game by Virginia and has very rudimentary route running abilities.

The Giants don’t need Reed for wide receiver depth, as they are loaded with Shepard, Slayton, Tate, Claypool, Coleman, and others. The sole purpose that the Giants pick Reed is for what he can do in the return game. Having most recently served as the special teams coordinator with the New England Patriots, Joe Judge is well aware of how important a solid special teams unit can be to a team’s success.