2021 NFL Draft: Mid-Round Prospects the NY Giants Should Target
All eyes will be on NY Giants’ General Manager Dave Gettleman in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.
The NY Giants have six total picks, including the coveted 11th overall pick.
Gettleman has the possibility to select a potential game changer in the first round, whether it be a dependable wide receiver like DeVonta Smith, a fiery defensive playmaker like Micah Parsons, or a proven “Hogmolly” like Rashawn Slater.
However, this draft full of talent, and there will be plenty of opportunities for Gettleman to snag some potential gems outside of the first and second rounds.
Let’s explore some exciting prospects NY Giants could target in the mid-rounds:
1
Austin Watkins Jr. Wide Receiver
In 2020, the Giants had very little wide receiver talent, with their most consistent playmaker being Sterling Shepherd, who was considered be one of the least efficient receivers in the league.
With the addition of Kenny Golladay this offseason, who will assume the position of W1, the Giants’ receiving core is looking to make a major improvement in the 2021 season.
If Gettleman doesn’t take a wide receiver in the first round, he could look to the mid-rounds for talented prospects like Austin Watkins Jr. from the University of Alabama-Birmingham. A physical and versatile playmaker with great hands, Watkins Jr. could add much needed depth to the Giants’ wide receiver unit. In 2019, he displayed his reliability to the tune of 1,093 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Watkins Jr. is not a flawless prospect; he has shown difficulty getting separation from cornerbacks leading to unnecessary contested catches and needs to improve on gaining yards after the catch. However, he can become a dependable option for quarterback Daniel Jones if Gettleman chooses to add wide receiver depth in the mid-rounds.