Who should the NY Giants target in the 3rd and 4th rounds of the NFL draft?
By David Solow
Tyler Johnson: WR, Minnesota
Why would he be a good value for the Giants in the 3rd or 4th round? In a loaded wide receiver draft class, Johnson gets lost in the shuffle. Minnesota’s all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns would be a big-bodied receiver that the G-Men could rely on. Johnson wins with physicality and would provide another weapon for Daniel Jones on the outside.
Johnson doesn’t provide the same flash as some of the more heralded receivers in the draft, but his production and game film speaks for itself. The Giants would be getting a late-first round talent at the end of the third round if Johnson is their pick.
What does he excel at? Johnson has suction cups for hands, to go along with excellent route running. He wins with physicality, is tough to bring down after the catch, and uses his strength effectively as a run blocker. Sterling Shepard has shown his value as an excellent downfield blocker that helps Saquon Barkley spring long runs, and Johnson could do the same.
Johnson’s hand strength makes him the winner on contested catches more times than not. His football intelligence makes him a menace against zone coverage, especially over the middle. Daniel Jones would love his ability to work the boundary and his tremendous sideline awareness.
Why the Giants might hesitate: Tyler Johnson does not possess elite athleticism, and there is the worry that he won’t be able to separate from man coverage in the NFL. The team has serious needs along the offensive line and defense, so taking a wide receiver feels like a luxury they can’t afford.
Personal excitement level if drafted: (6/10) I remember watching Minnesota play Penn State towards the end of the college football season, and Johnson looked like a man among boys. His contested catch ability would be nice to have, but I would feel more comfortable if the Giants drafted defense or offensive line with their picks in the third and fourth round.
Likelihood he will fall to #99 or #110: (4/10)