The New York Giants could be altering their draft plans, according to an NFL Network insider.
Appearing on “Mock Draft Live” on April 24, Daniel Jeremiah predicted the club would select wide receiver Garrett Wilson with their second of two first-round picks scheduled for this year’s draft, which starts April 28.
“If you want to evaluate Daniel Jones, you’ve got him a little help up front,” Jeremiah said. “Now you get him, in my opinion, the best wide receiver in this draft class, Garrett Wilson, who can do everything. He can play inside, he can play outside. He’s outstanding after the catch — the body control with the ball in the air. Second to none in this class.”
Wilson, 21, spent three seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes, amassing 2,213 yards on 143 receptions. He scored 23 touchdowns in his three seasons, but his final year was the most impressive, with 12 touchdowns scored on 1,058 receiving yards. He was a First Team All-Big Ten selection in 2020 and Second Team All-Big Ten in 2021.
In his breakdown of best prospects by position, NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks ranked Wilson third among wide receivers.
“Wilson is a polished playmaker with A+ route-running ability and ball skills,” Brooks wrote. “The Ohio State product could thrive as a WR1 or WR2 in an offense that emphasizes skilled route runners on the perimeter.”
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The Giants had long been prognosticated to go for offensive linemen or defensive help with their fifth and seventh overall picks. So what has changed in the past couple of days?
Giants Wide Receivers Room in Peril
The change in mock draft predictions for the Giants likely can be attributed to the events of the past week. Much was made of 23-year-old receiver Kadarius Toney’s absence from voluntary minicamp, which seemingly got him off on the wrong foot with first-year head coach Brian Daboll. Toney’s decision garnered reactions from fans, a current teammate and a former Giants receiver. The controversy reached a new level when Pat Leonard of the NY Daily news reported on April 22 that the team had reached the point of shopping Toney and making calls to evaluate his trade value.
Ralph Vacchiano of SNY followed Leonard’s reporting, saying one source told him the Giants were more “listening than shopping.” Regardless, Toney’s tumultuous time with the club appears to have the possibility of being short-lived.
Another receiver could be on the trade block as well, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Duggan reported on April 25 that fourth-year receiver Darius Slayton was being shopped as well, with his salary and the Giants’ cap situation being the primary reason.
Latest Mock Draft Has More Offensive Help
Aside from seeing the Giants drafting Garrett Wilson, Daniel Jeremiah envisioned more help on the offense. With the fifth pick, Jeremiah predicted they would select tackle Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu.
Ekwonu, 21, was voted a Unanimous All-American in 2021 and was the recipient of the ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded to the conference’s best blocker each season. Considering the issues the team had protecting quarterback Daniel Jones last season (Pro Football Focus ranked the offensive line 30th in the league), the North Carolina State product could be a nice fit.
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NFL Insider Has Giants Taking Wide Receiver at No. 7