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NFL Draft 2021: 3 NY Giants targets that are ideal fits post-free agency

By Matt Lombardo

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide makes a reception in the first half against the Florida Gators during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide makes a reception in the first half against the Florida Gators during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2) WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama

Don’t be surprised if the NY Giants add yet another weapon to Daniel Jones’ suddenly abundant supporting cast at the skill positions with the No. 11 overall pick.

Multiple scouts across the NFL believe that NY Giants GM Dave Gettleman is targeting Alabama’s Heisman Trophy winning receiver DeVonta Smith. It’s easy to see why.

In a loaded receiver class, Smith is among the top prospects at the position.

Smith, 6-foot and 175 pounds, caught 117 of his 148 targets last season for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns, while producing 947 yards after the catch and averaging 12.5 yards per target.

Despite his slightish frame, Smith’s combination of game-altering speed and reliable hands would give Jones a potentially dominant trio of wide receivers along with recently signed Kenny Golladay and Sterling Shepard with Darius Slayton and John Ross contributing meaningful snaps as well.

“He’s one tough dude,” an NFC personnel executive recently told me of Smith. “He’s very competitive, and a damn-good route-runner.”

If the Giants plan to follow the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills’ model of surrounding a young quarterback with electrifying and speedy wide receivers, and Smith is available, there’s a good chance he’s New York’s first-round pick.

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