NFL Draft 2021: NY Giants’ mid-round wide receiver targets

Middle-round fits for the NY Giants

The NFL game has transitioned to become more about speed and quickness than it is about size. It has become a game about creating mismatches and getting guys out in space who can make people miss to create extra yards. This year’s receiver class is thick with guys who can do just that.  Smaller shifty guys who excel with quickness, run precise routes, and have the ability to rack up yards after the catch.

Kadarius Toney-Florida, Tutu Atwell-Lousville, Elijah Moore-Ole Miss, Rondale Moore– Purdue, D’Wayne Eskridge– Western Michigan, Shi Smith– South Carolina, Amari Rodgers– Clemson, Marlon Williams– UCF, Dyami Brown– UNC, Kade Johnson– South Dakota St, Dazz Newsome– UNC and Tylan Wallace– Oklahoma St are all guys 6’feet and under who profile as excellent slot receivers at the next level.

Kadarius Toney and Rondale Moore are said to be the most dangerous two playmakers with the ball in their hands that the ’21 class has to offer. Toney is thought to by WR4 by most draft pundits, and has solidified his spot as a first rounder in the spring.  While Elijah Moore, Tutu Atwell, and Rondale Moore have all garnered some consideration as back-end first rounders as well.

While the draft is certainly thick with explosive, slot-types, that is not all this class has to offer.  There are a few taller, big-bodied receivers who have the potential to make their share of waves at the next level as well.  Guys such as: Nico Collins-Michigan (6’4 215), Sage Surratt-Wake Forest (6’3 215), Brandon Smith-Iowa (6’2 215) , Dez Fitzpatrick-Louisville (6’3 210) Damonte Coxie-Memphis (6’3 200), Trevon Grimes– Florida (6’4 210), and Warren Jackson-Colorado St (6’6 215)  are all quarterback friendly targets with varying degrees of NFL traits and skill levels.  For the most part, these are developmental Day 3 picks, with Collins and Surratt possessing the highest likelihood of being selected on Day 2.  But with the correct coaching and refinement, they all have the potential to make an impact at the NFL level.

However, these are only some of the guys who profile as outside receivers at the next level.

With the Giants heavily in the market for a someone to take on the role of their X receiver, we will take a deeper look at some of the guys they could target after the first round who possess the requisite tools to potentially step in and fill their need right away.