Ollie Gordon and 3 later-round hidden gems Giants could target to reload

Don’t sleep on the back end of the 2025 NFL Draft. Sure, all the buzz right now is about top-tier talents like Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward, and hey, if the Giants end up with one of those guys, no one’s complaining. But for a team looking to rebuild from the ground up, the day 2 and later rounds could hold the real difference-makers.

The Giants have a lot of holes to fill—and not just at quarterback. With a lackluster 2024 season (we’re being generous here), it’s clear this team needs depth and versatility across the board. Luckily, there’s a ton of talent flying under the radar that could step in and contribute right away.

Whether it’s a versatile offensive lineman to anchor the trenches, a sneaky-good wideout to stretch the field, or a bruising running back to pound the rock, these late-round gems could help the Giants reload without breaking the bank. Here are four prospects to keep an eye on as the draft approaches.

Ollie Gordon and 3 other lat-round draft gems the Giants can find in the 2025 NFL draft

Colorado State: Tory Horton, WR

If you’re looking for a polished route runner with sticky hands, Horton is your guy. He’s got strong mitts that can secure the ball even through contact, making him a reliable target—something the Giants desperately need. Horton also uses his long strides to hit top speed, helping him create separation on vertical routes.

Sure, his slender frame makes him easier to knock off his path, but in the later rounds, finding a receiver with his polish is a steal. Pair him with the right QB, and he could become a sneaky weapon in the passing game.

Florida State: Darrell Jackson Jr, DT

Jackson is a run-stuffing machine with the size (6-foot-5, 330 pounds) to clog lanes and make life miserable for opposing offenses. His strength and length allow him to handle double-teams, freeing up teammates to make plays.

While his technique is still a work in progress, his natural ability to disrupt plays makes him a high-upside option. For a Giants team in need of interior depth, Jackson could be a valuable late-round addition to solidify the defensive front.

Ohio State: Donovan Jackson, OG

Jackson is the kind of lineman who checks a lot of boxes for today’s NFL. Quick off the line, technically sound, and always scanning for the most dangerous threat, he’s built to thrive in a fast-paced offense.

While his hands can sometimes get a little wild, his ability to get to the second level and wall off defenders is elite. For a team like the Giants, who need protection for whoever lines up under center, Jackson would be an excellent investment in the later rounds.

Oklahoma State: Ollie Gordon II, RB

The Giants could use a bruising back to complement their offense, and Gordon fits the bill. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, he’s got the size to take on NFL defenders, and his nimble feet allow him to navigate tight spaces with ease.

Gordon’s top-end speed is solid for his size, making him a threat in the open field. While his pass protection needs work and he’s more of a build-up speed guy, his ability to shed arm tackles and deliver punishment makes him a valuable late-round addition to any offense.

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