2021 NFL Draft: What should the Giants do with the 11th overall pick?

Option 1: Select the best receiver left on the board

The 2021 NFL Draft, like most NFL Drafts, will be focused on the quarterbacks at the very top. But with a deep class that includes Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Zach Wilson, it is very likely that many quality prospects are going to be pushed down the board beyond the top ten selections. That’s where targeting a receiver may be a logical choice for New York.

Overall, the Giants passing attack was pathetic. Sterling Shepard, who only played in 12 games this season, was arguably the best receiver on the team and finished with 66 catches, 656 yards and 3 touchdowns. Those numbers were good for first, second, and tied for first, respectively, on the team. That’s simply not good enough in what’s a passing league. Adding insult to injury was Evan Engram’s poor performance this season with 11 drops and six caused interceptions.

Fortunately, this year’s receiving class is ripe with talent from top to bottom. But in the first round, the Giants should have their choice of the cream of the crop. LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase along with Alabama’s duo of DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle are prime candidates to be selected at 11th overall. Each player has a career average of well over 16 yards per reception, and would fit well into the Giants offense on the perimeter.

Their additions would help starting quarterback Daniel Jones take another leap in his development. Add in the return of Saquon Barkley from injury, and picking any one of these game-breaking receivers could completely alter the way the Giants offense threatens opposing defenses.

There are definitely needs at other positions on the roster, but nabbing a playmaker that commands attention from opposing secondaries would surely open up an offense that finished 31st in total yards.