4 Day 2 receivers the NY Giants could target in the NFL Draft

By the end of the 2022 season, arguably the weakest point of the New York Giants offense was the wide receiver room. With season-ending injuries to both Sterling Shepard and Wan'Dale Robinson, the team was forced to rely heavily on the duo of Isaiah Hodgins and Darius Slayton.

Now heading into the 2023 campaign, the Giants wide receiver room has been re-tooled. With the additions of pass-catchers such as Parris Campbell, and the return of Slayton, Shepard, and Hodgins, this group has a legitimate chance to be a threat in the near future. In addition, tight end Darren Waller will be added to the mix.

With the draft quickly approaching, many expect the Giants to add a wide receiver early. In the first round, they could have their pick of elite options. But with other needs, they could also choose to wait until Day 2 to add another pass-catcher to the offense. If the Giants do wait until the second or third round of the draft, here are four wide receivers they could target:

4. Marvin Mims Jr., Oklahoma

During his time at Oklahoma, Marvin Mims Jr. produced three strong seasons. Over 37 games, the Sooners wide receiver hauled in 123 receptions for 2,398 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns while averaging 19.5 yards per reception.

In his third and final season at Oklahoma, Sims delivered his most productive campaign. Over 13 games, he recorded career-highs in both receptions and receiving yards. In total, he hauled in 54 receptions for 1,054 receiving yards and six touchdowns. On the way to his best season, he recorded four games with 100-plus receiving yards.

Mims has also managed to shine in workouts leading up to the draft. While his speed on the field was clear, he also recorded a 4.38 40-yard dash. While at Oklahoma, Mims showed that he can impact the offense anywhere on the field. Through his elite speed, he can win down the field, regularly beating opposing defenders.

For a Giants offense that has leaned heavily on the deep ball at times. Mims could be an intriguing addition. Coming in at 5-11 and 183 pounds, Mims isn't the biggest pass-catcher, but he still has an elite ability to get open, which appears to be what this team is looking for in their wideouts.

3. Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss

Ole Miss wide receiver Jonathan Mingo has all of the tools to be elite at the next level. With his blend of size and speed, he could be a threat in any offense. Given that he can translate his game to the next level, he could also be what this Giants offense is in search of.

During his time at Ole Miss, Mingo was at times limited in an offense that struggled to regularly produce. But when given opportunities, he excelled. In total, Mingo appeared in 34 games over four seasons at Ole Miss. He recorded 112 receptions for 1,758 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns over his collegiate career.

This past season, the Ole Miss offense relied on Mingo more than they had in years prior. In his expanded role, he saw his production increase drastically. While playing in 13 games, he recorded 51 receptions for 861 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Following his strong final season, Mingo has turned heads in the months leading up to the draft. At the combine, he measured in at 6-2 and 220 pounds. At that size, he still recorded a 4.46 40-yard dash and a 39'5" vertical.

Outside of Hodgins, the Giants wide receiver room is not full of bigger wide receivers. Adding Mingo would address that in a big way. With his size, and ability to make plays with the ball in his hands, he could develop into a key playmaker within this group.

While at Ole Miss, Mingo excelled with footwork, size, and speed. He often beat opposing defenders, regardless of where he lined up. Mingo may take time to adapt, but if he can produce in a way that is similar to recent Ole Miss pass-catchers in the NFL, he could become a star.

2. Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee

Arguably no wide receiver in the nation benefited from the 2022 campaign more than Tennessee's Jalin Hyatt. Over his first two seasons, he looked to be a wide receiver that had potential. Through his first 17 collegiate games, he recorded 41 receptions for 502 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

This past season, Hyatt took his game to new heights. In the Hendon Hooker-led offense, he became a go-to target. Over 12 games, he recorded 67 receptions for 1,267 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.

Hyatt's biggest outing of the season came when Tennessee took on Alabama in Week 6. He finished the game with six receptions for 297 receiving yards and five touchdowns. This was just one of five games that he recorded at least 135 receiving yards.

When looking at the ideal fit for the Giants offense, Hyatt could be their guy. On the field, he has elite speed that defenders are forced to focus on. This was on clear display with how he tested an Alabama secondary full of elite talent.

1. Josh Downs, North Carolina

North Carolina's Josh Downs may not be the biggest wide receiver, as he comes in at 5-9 and 171 pounds, but arguably no pass-catcher in the nation has played bigger than him over the past two seasons.

While at North Carolina, Downs proved to be the Tar Heels' go-to option in the passing game. In his freshman season in 2020, he appeared in four games. While hauling in just seven receptions, he recorded 119 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Over the following two seasons, Downs developed into a legitimate playmaker. In 2021, he appeared in 13 total games. He finished the year recording 101 receptions for 1,335 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This past season, Downs once again produced a 1,000-yard campaign. In total, he recorded 94 receptions for 1,029 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns over 11 games.

While at North Carolina, Downs worked primarily in the slot. In 2022, he lined up in the slot 407 times. With both Robinson and Shepard already on the roster, the addition of Downs could appear unnecessary. But with Robinson and Shepard both coming off of torn ACLs, adding another slot receiver should not be out of the question, especially when looking at what Downs can contribute.

Schoen has stated that the Giants are interested in receivers that can separate and get open. Downs has made a career off of doing just that. He has all of the tools to impact the offense from Day 1. If the Giants are looking to make a splash in the second round, he could be just that.

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