The New York Giants have been big players in free agency this offseason, landing some significant pieces, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Giants finished with a 6-10 record for the second consecutive season, and have since made some major moves both with their personnel and coaching staff.
Despite a poor record, the Giants finished with the sixth highest scoring offense in the league, and have since named offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo their new head coach. McAdoo recently said that franchise quarterback Eli Manning's best football is still ahead of him, which is huge statement given the fact that the New York quarterback has already won two Super Bowls.
While general manager Jerry Reese has focused on the defensive side of the ball in free agency this offseason, look for the Giants to address some needs on the offensive side in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft. The G-men clearly still have needs on the defensive side after finishing dead last in the league in terms of yards allowed per game, but should look to address the wide receiver position and offensive line in the upcoming draft.
The Giants have been known to take the best player available in recent drafts as opposed to their top need, and the 2016 NFL Draft should be no different as New York has plenty of holes to fill. The Giants lost wide receiver Rueben Randle in free agency to NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles, and while wide receiver Victor Cruz has taken a significant pay cut, the Giants are still missing a big redzone target for quarterback Manning.
The Giants clearly have one of the best receivers in the league in Odell Beckham Jr., and could have a strong combination with Cruz should he return healthy in 2016. Cruz is clearly a big question heading into the season, but even with Cruz and Beckham, the Giants starting receiver core is missing a tall redzone threat that can go up and grab passes away from opposing defenders.
Three potential prospects the Giants should have on their big board come this April is Ole Miss' Laquon Treadwell, TCU's Josh Doctson and Pittsburgh's Tyler Boyd. Treadwell is considered by many the top wide receiver prospect in this year's class, and has drawn comparisons with Houston Texans star receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The Rebels receiver would make an immediate impact for the Giants, but will likely only be available for the Giants with their first round pick.
The Giants may look to go in another direction with the 10th overall pick, such as offensive tackle or linebacker, which could lead them to pass on Treadwell in the first round. Should the Giants look to go in another direction than wide receiver with the 10th pick, they could look to target the position in the second round with the 40th pick.
Doctson may be a stretch to still be on the board in the second round, but if he somehow slips to 40, the Giants should grab him quickly. The Horned Frogs receiver is great at grabbing contested passes and would give the Giants an immediate redzone target.
While Doctson may not be on the board for the Giants second round pick, Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Tyler Boyd should be available. The Panthers receiver has drawn comparisons with Chargers star receiver Kennan Allen, and would make a strong addition to New York's offense with strong hands and outstanding body control when going up for passes.
Boyd is projected as a second to third-round prospect, but could be just what the Giants are looking for in a redzone target.
Any of these three receiver prospects could make a strong fit in New York's offense next season, and with the receiver position being one of the greatest needs this offseason, it wouldn't be surprising if the Giants front office looked to target a receiver in the first three rounds of the draft.
