What in the world is Joe Schoen going to end up doing with the No. 25 overall pick? We will have our answer next Thursday night, as the NFL Draft is almost here. So many different positions and players have been linked to the NY Giants, but a lot of fans have their eyes on a standout wideout to help out Daniel Jones.
As busy as Schoen has been in improving the passing attack, we could see him to after a stud wideout in the first round. There are plenty of talented players who could be there for the taking. So, which guys should Giants fans keep their eye on moving forward?
3. TCU WR Quentin Johnston
About three weeks ago, we might have assumed that Quentin Johnston would be gone by the time it's NY's turn to make a pick. However, several recent NFL Mock Drafts not only have Johnston still available, but they also have the Giants sending his name in. This is the kind of big-bodied receiver that could really help Mike Kafka out.
Checking in at 6-3, 215 pounds, Johnston has the ideal size for an outside wideout. Not only that, but he has great hands and leaping ability. Imagine opposing defenses having to worry about covering newly-acquired tight end Darren Waller in the red zone, but then also having to plan in trying to contain Johnston. That'd be a big problem for them.
Last season for TCU, Johnston was a big reason with the Horned Frogs were able to stun the nation and get to the National Championship Game. This kid is the real deal and he could make an impact from Day 1 for the Giants if they indeed decide to select him at No. 25 overall. Johnston is loaded with potential. The idea of him catching balls from Danny Dimes is quite exciting.
2. USC WR Jordan Addison
Another stud who could be an option for the Giants would be Jordan Addison. Similar to Johnston, we thought that maybe Addison wouldn't be available for Big Blue at No. 25, but other mocks also have him on the table for the G-Men if they want him. Addison is easily one of the best WR options for his draft class.
After an unreal career at Pitt, including him being a Biletnikoff Winner, Addison transferred to USC this past season and his strong play continued. Last year for the Trojans, the 6-0, 175-pounder hauled in 59 balls for 875 yards and four touchdowns. The season before at Pitt, he recorded 100 receptions for 1,592 yards and 17 touchdowns - those stats were unreal.
Addison may not have the size that people are looking for, but he's quite the talent. Schoen is going to have a tough decision here, as Addison could be on the clock, but there's always a chance he decides to go with a cornerback (maybe Deonte Banks or Emmanuel Forbes) instead.
From our chair, Schoen can't go wrong with either a WR or a CB. If Addison is still there at No. 25, though, and other guys that were higher up on NY's board are gone, then Addison would be a no-brainer option for him. As we said, though, Schoen could go with a CB or surprise us all with a different position as well.
1. North Carolina WR Josh Downs
Last but not least, let's take a look at North Carolina WR Josh Downs. If you're surprised to not see Zay Flowers on this list, it's because we don't think the Boston College standout is still going to be an option for Schoen by the time No. 25 arrives. The wide expectation is now that Flowers will be the first WR taken in the first round.
And if guys like Addison and Johnston are also gone, Schoen could look to go with a CB in the first round and then wait until the second round to go after a speedster for Jones. Enter Downs. Despite him not being a first-round talent, this speedster is still loaded with potential and he'd able to open up the field for the Giants.
Downs posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Tar Heels. In 2021, he caught 101 balls for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns. He followed up that impressive showing by catching 94 balls for 1,029 and 11 touchdowns in '22. At 5-10, 180 pounds, he's not the big body that people in East Rutherford are hoping for, but he's still a gamer.
Downs has seen his stock go up quite a bit as well and we should see him hear his name called during Day 2 of the draft. In the second round, he could be a fantastic get for the Giants and Schoen. We like Downs' game and think he could be a welcome addition for the WRs room.