Previewing the NY Giants’ wide receivers position group

UDFA Rookie WR #3: Derrick Dillon

Derrick Dillon looks to stick around with the NY Giants to start his NFL career. His undeniable speed could take him a long way in the way NFL. Certainly not the biggest player on the field, Dillon compensates with his blazing speed to run away from defenders.

Dave Gettleman took a wise approach in targeted undrafted receivers from big-time programs that may have just been stuck behind too much elite talent.

The LSU product was an in-state player that chose his hometown Tigers after decommitting from the Florida Gators. This decision paid off as Dillon ended his college career reaching the pinnacle, being crowned as CFB’s National Champion in 2019.

Dillon helped lead the Tigers to an undefeated season filling a complementary role for the team. Dillon caught 15 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns in his senior campaign. He had the chance to start three games when a teammate went down with an injury.

Dillon filled in admirably. His signature moment in his career came in 2018 when he stepped up in clutch time, scoring a 71-yard touchdown in the 4th quarter against Auburn to bring the score to a two-point deficit. LSU went onto win the game on a game-winning field goal as time expired.

In his college career, Dillon only put up 51 catches for 634 yards and four touchdowns. Although these are very pedestrian numbers, Dillon’s speed alone gives him a chance to make an NFL roster. He runs with speed and power that complements his smaller 5,11, 185-pound frame. He was clocked at running a 4.29 40 yard dash at his unofficial Pro Day showcasing his blistering running abilities.

Big Blue’s receivers lack speed outside of Darius Slayton and Corey Coleman. Can Dillon’s track-caliber speed be enough to make an impression in August?

I am skeptical of his roster chances but I do think he will absolutely compete for a roster spot and hopefully land on the practice squad once September comes.