Top 3 players the NY Giants must draft on Day 3 of 2022 NFL Draft
By Toby Grundy
After a first-round that saw the NY Giants select two of the most well-known targets in the 2022 NFL Draft, Day 2 had a somewhat different feeling. With the likes of Nakobe Dean, Andrew Booth Jr., and even Malik Willis at the top of draft boards ahead of Day 2, the Giants eventually selected WR Wan’Dale Robinson after trading back to pick 43.
The surprises continued as they selected OG Joshua Ezeudu and CB Cordale Flott with their two picks in the third round. Having now drafted prospects at both cornerback and the interior offensive line, the most pressing needs on the roster appear to be a tight end and linebacker. Let’s take a look at three potential prospects general manager Joe Schoen and the Giants could target on Day 3.
NY Giants Day 3 Target: 3. Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State
Despite many people thinking they may address the position on Day 2, the Giants still have a glaring need at tight end entering Day 3 – look no further than Charlie Kolar out of Iowa state
The Giants’ offense under Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka is going to look remarkably different from that of the Jason Garrett, Joe Judge era. After drafting Wan’Dale Robinson in the second round the Giants’ offense is certainly full of shifty receivers who can get open and add yards after the catch.
This can be extremely effective, but you also need the contested catch guys who Daniel Jones can turn to through his progressions, particularly in the red zone. Kolar would be a perfect fit for the profile. At 6″7′ 252 lbs he is certainly a threat in the red zone and is proficient at coming down with contested catches, resulting in a 66.7% contested catch rate in 2021 per PFF. According to PFF:
"Kolar is the best “even when he’s not open, he’s open” tight end in the class. That will play in the red zone"
He had the most contested catches of any tight end at the collegiate level this past season. Since 2019 he has had 158 catches for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. His consistency has been remarkable over his college career, something the franchise desperately needs with the volatility they have seen at the position during the time Evan Engram was in New York.