Giants Add Scoring Machine in Post-Combine Mock Draft

CBS Sports predicts the New York Giants will take this receiver in the first round of the draft.

Author:
Quinn Slaven
Publish date:
Mar 10, 2023 8:00 AM EST

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While the draft is over a month away, the mock draft projections have ramped up. And CBS Sports' latest mock draft, author Kyle Stackpole predicts the New York Giants will look to add some offensive firepower in the first round by adding receiver Jordan Addison from the University of Southern California.

Notes Stackpole of his selection:

Many of the top WR prospects ran slower than expected in the 40-yard dash at the combine, Jordan Addison included, but that doesn't mean the Pittsburgh/USC standout shouldn't be a first-round pick. Addison plays faster on tape than his 40 time, and his route-running and ball skills will give Daniel Jones a legitimate pass-catching weapon.

Jones does need more pass-catching weapons. Aside from Isaiah Hodgins, who re-signed with New York last month, and Wan'Dale Robinson, who is recovering from a torn ACL, the Giants plan to release Kenny Golladay on March 15. They also have Richie James, Darius Slayton, and Sterling Shepard all hitting free agency, the likelihood of all of those guys returning being slim.

Addison has already drawn attention from the Giants, with whom he met at the combine.

Though under-sized, Addison is NFL.com’s highest-rated receiver in terms of production. Addison, who played his college ball at Pittsburgh and USC, impressed with his ability to separate and catch contested balls, drawing comparisons to Seattle's Tyler Lockett and Philadelphia's DeVonta Smith.

If the likenesses prove true, New York will be in for a treat, as they haven't had a quick, flashy receiver since the days of Odell Beckham Jr in their passing attack. And if the Giants can add or develop a second deep threat, even better, as teams often benefit from having two or more dynamic threats that can open opportunities for each other and the rest of the skill position players.

Addison has the potential to bring that. In three years of college football (two at Pitt and one at USC), he recorded 3,134 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns and averaged just over 14 yards per reception.

In 2021, his final year at Pitt before transferring to Southern California, Addison earned the prestigious Fred Biletnikoff Award, which recognizes the nation’s top collegiate receiver. He was also an All-American designation.

Stackpole only mocked the first round, but expect plenty of action for the Giants on Days 2 and 3 of the draft.