New York Giants Free Agency/Draft Preview: No. 1 Receiver a Top Need
The New York Giants last had a No. 1 wide receiver or a 1,000-yard receiver in 2018, when Odell Beckham Jr was on the roster. And while last year's receiver group consisting of Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt wasn't bad, just think how much better they would have been with a No. 1 drawing double coverage and making their lives much easier.
Therein lies one of general manager Joe Schoen's many objectives this off-season. Regardless of who is under center, a legitimate No. 1 receiver who can open things up for the rest of the offense will go a long way toward getting an underperforming offense back on track starting in 2024.
More Position Group Free Agency/Draft Previews
Quarterback | Running Back | Tight End | Interior Offensive Line
Personnel Recap
- Under Contract: Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Chase Cota, Dennis Houston
- UFAs: Parris Campbell, Sterling Shepard, Gunner Olszewski
- RFAs: N/A
- ERFAs: Isaiah Hodgins
Slayton ended up the team's leader in receiving yardage for the fourth time in the last five years, but despite that, he's a solid No. 2 option at best. Robinson got off to a slow start as he continued working his way back from a torn ACL, but by year's end, he had turned into the kind of receiver that the Giants probably were hoping to get out of failed first-rund draft pick Kadarius Toney.
Hyatt, the rookie of the bunch, didn't get as many pass targets as one might have liked, but that was likely due more to his acclimation to the NFL than talent. A solid off-season should pave the way for more growth for this intriguing speedster.
New York has already moved off of Shepard, who got a roster spot last year so he could leave the game on his own terms. Meanwhile, Campbell was a big waste as the Giants never seemed to have a plan on how to use him.
Olszewski should be prioritized, given his return abilities on special teams. And perhaps just as big of a mystery as the lack of snaps for Hyatt or why the team brought Campbell on board is what happened to Hodgins, who, after looking so impressive in 2022, fell off the map and now is potentially looking at having to find employment elsewhere unless the team gives him another low-cost ERFA offer.
Top 3 Questions to be Answered
Will the Giants finally fill the void of missing a No. 1 wide receiver?
As noted, you would have to go back to 2018 to see the last time the Giants had a true No. 1 receiver. They tried to fill that void last year with tight end Darren Waller, who is technically a receiver in a tight end's body, but that experiment failed. With the draft class so deep in receiving talent and the Giants in a golden spot to grab a potential No. 1 in the first round, it would be an upset if they don't address this glaring, years-long need.
Can the receivers remain healthy for another season?
The Giants, as a whole, have had injury problems for countless seasons, especially at the wide receiver position. Surprisingly, most of them stayed healthy for 2023. Slayton, Hodgins, and Hyatt appeared in all 17 games, with Robinson and Shepard playing in 15.
Campbell played the least amount of games in the group, appearing in 12. Considering how unlucky they’ve been at wide receiver in terms of injuries over the years, it was nice to see continuity on the field this past season. It’s never easy to predict how injuries will impact a team heading into a new season, but the Giants are looking solid on that front for their wideouts.
Wan'Dale Robinson celebrates a score.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Who will break out first: Robinson or Hyatt?
In Schoen’s two drafts as Giants’ general manager, he used premium capital to select wide receivers in each one. In 2022, Robinson was taken with the 43rd overall pick, and last year, Hyatt was taken with the 73rd pick after a trade-up with the Rams.
Robinson’s rookie year was cut short due to an ACL tear, but he flashed a few times in his limited time. In 2023, he came back strong and displayed even more of his playmaking ability.
One area Robinson improved tremendously was his route running, as Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb pointed out was a nice part of his game. Robinson ended the year leading the team in catches with 60, recording 525 yards and one touchdown.
He also had nine carries for 87 yards and one touchdown. He will have an entire offseason to train and not worry about rehabbing an injury, so Robinson could potentially have a big year in store out of the slot.
Hyatt’s rookie year was underwhelming, but it wasn’t his fault. He did a great job staying healthy and stepping up when his number was called. However, early on, he wasn’t getting opportunities as much as he should’ve.
It was evident Hyatt’s speed would be a problem for defenders once he entered the league, and it’s true, as he effortlessly ran by cornerbacks on numerous occasions. He was open, but the ball wouldn’t come to him. It wasn’t until later in the season, when DeVito and Taylor took over at quarterback, that Hyatt started to get more opportunities. He ended the year with 23 catches for 373 yards and no touchdowns but had an incredible 16.2 yards per catch.
Regardless of who breaks out first, wouldn't it be nice if both broke out together? If the Giants want to gravitate to more of a deep vertical game, they will need better and more consistent production.
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium.
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Draft or Free Agency?
If the Giants want to finally land their number one wide receiver, it’d be best to focus on the draft. Of course, they could add one or two in free agency, but they likely aren’t going to dish out a huge contract for a veteran wideout.
The top choice currently would be Mike Evans, but considering he reportedly wants over $20 million per year on a new contract, it wouldn't make any sense for the Giants now. Tee Higgins of the Bengals was originally thought to hit the open market, but the Bengals used the franchise tag on him.
After Evans and Higgins, there isn’t a true number one on the market that the Giants could sign. Michael Pittman Jr could be an option, but the Colts are expected to place the franchise tag on him.
Calvin Ridley is also available but would command a large contract. Beckham Jr is a free agent, but his days of being the explosive player he once was are gone. Solid options like Curtis Samuel and Tyler Boyd will be available, but none will be number one, especially on the Giants.
This is why the draft is the way to go this offseason. Sitting at number six, the Giants have a prime opportunity to select one of the top wideouts coming out of college. Marvin Harrison Jr, the consensus top receiver this year, likely won’t make it to their pick. However, LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze are expected to be available when the Giants are on the clock and would be a major upgrade to a struggling offensive unit.
Malik Nabers
SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK
Top Three Draft Picks to Target
Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State: Harrison probably won’t be available as the sixth pick. However, it’s no secret that the Ohio State product put on a show last season, recording 67 catches for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns. Harrison Jr also averaged over 18 yards per catch, highlighting his big play ability. His incredible size and speed, superb route running, ball skills, and explosiveness make him a scary thought on the Giants offense.
Malik Nabers, LSU: Nabers had a stellar 2023 season with the Tigers, hauling in 89 catches for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns on 17.6 yards per reception. He’s a fluid route runner, can get upfield quickly and rack up yards after the catch, and has a knack for making explosive plays. Daboll and Kafka would have fun scheming up plays for Nabers on the Giants offense.
Rome Odunze, Washington: Odunze had the best season out of all three mentioned, catching 92 passes for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns on 17.8 yards per reception. He is an excellent route runner, strong at the catch point, and isn’t afraid of making contact after the catch. He doesn’t have the same speed as Nabers or Harrison, but would be another big play machine in the Giants offense.
Dec 24, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates the touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
Top Three Free Agents to Target
Again, it's unlikely the Giants will spend for a No. 1 receiver in free agency, but three names are among the best options.
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay: Evans is a future Hall of Famer, and if, for some odd reason, would choose the Giants, it would completely elevate the offense. Since coming into the league in 2014, Evans has had 1,000 yards each season and rarely misses a game. He knows what it takes to win and would be a great addition to the Giants offense.
Michael Pittman Jr, Colts: Pittman is expected to be franchise-tagged but would be a solid option for the Giants if he hit the market. He doesn’t have the explosiveness the Giants' offense is looking for in a No. 1 wideout, but he is coming off of his first 100+ catch season at just 26 years old. Could the Giants coaches potentially heighten Pittman Jr’s ceiling in the Giants offense?
Calvin Ridley, Jaguars: Ridley was suspended for the 2022 season for betting on games. He was traded to the Jaguars for a 2023 fifth and a 2024 conditional pick and was expected to be their No. 1 wideout coming into 2023. He had a solid season in his one year with the Jaguars, catching 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns--not bad after being sidelined for an entire season.
