As the New York Giants look to bolster their roster, here’s how they might ideally come out of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The New York Giants had a chance to win the NFC East in Week 17 last year, which says more about the division than how good they were. But 6-10 was a decent step in Joe Judge’s first season as a head coach, particularly after an 0-5 start. Four of those losses to start the season were by 10 points or less, and ultimately five of their 10 losses were by one score.
Entering his third season, it’s probably a make-or-break year for quarterback Daniel Jones. The team has given him a top-end talent at wide receiver by signing Kenny Golladay in free agency, and the return of running back Saquon Barkley will obviously be very helpful.
The Giants are committed to Jones this year, so they are naturally committed to bolstering what’s around him. That will drive GM David Gettleman’s draft plan, especially with just six picks currently.
Here is how the Giants might ideally come out of the 2021 NFL Draft.
New York Giants 7-Round 2021 Mock Draft
Round 1
11
Jaylen Waddle
WR Alabama
Should one of the top two offensive tackles fall to the Giants here (Penei Sewell, or more likely Rashawn Slater), that could easily be the pick. But adding another weapon, as the board falls this way with Ja’Marr Chase, Devonta Smith and Kyle Pitts also gone in this hypothetical, is another priority.
But that’s not say Waddle should be an afterthought. In six games for the Crimson Tide last year he had 28 catches for 591 yards (21.1 yards per catch). He suffered a broken ankle on a kickoff return against Tennessee, and while he returned for the national title game he was noticeably limited and didn’t make a big impact (three catches for 34 yards).
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has offered Tyreek Hill as a comp to Waddle, with the following quote from an AFC personnel executive.
That kind of speed changes everything when it comes to game-planning for the other guys. They have to account for him any time he’s on the field and that’s going to help your entire offense when you think about it.”