Best Day 3 Positional Values for New York Giants

Much has been made about the Giants' first-round draft options, but let's examine some valuable Day 3 prospects.

As the New York Giants put a wrap on their draft preparation, we'll soon have answers about what they've been thinking all along for the firsr-round pick.

But while the first-round picks get all the money, attention, and fanfare in the NFL Draft, championship teams find quality on Day 3 and in undrafted free agency that can contribute positively. Day 3 is where we tend to see some of the more scheme-specific selections made, as earlier in the draft, teams are swinging for the fences before trying to find reliable contributors on Day 3.

Who are some names then that might be good value for the Giants on Day 3 either as a draft pick or UDFA? Let's take a look.

Running Back

Running backs don’t matter. Okay, that’s not true, but it is relevant to how NFL teams value running backs. The theory is that individual running backs don’t matter as much as the sum of their parts because quality backs can be found late in the draft. Running back by committee means more variety in who is on the field and less individual wear-and-tear for backs. 

Day 1 running backs are rare breeds nowadays, with 1.2 running backs drafted in the first round on average over the last five years. Teams usually target running backs early on day two before the run ends, while others wait for the late rounds. 

In recent years, players like Dameon Pierce, Zamir White, Kyren Williams, Isiah Pacheco, Rhamondre Stevenson, Chuba Hubbard, and Khalil Herbert all be drafted on day three and become impact players early on. The new kick return rules will also make it more likely that we see backs make early plays.

This year, there is almost an excessive number of backs who can contribute to a committee early on. For the Giants, that will likely mean a back who can work in space and be a passing-down specialist capable of being a receiver and blocker—whether that’s Jaylen Wright, Kimani Vidal, or Dylan Laube.

Wide Receiver

Double-dipping at a position like wide receiver, where six or seven players can see significant playing time throughout the season, isn’t uncommon. The Giants could find their WR1 on Day 1 and strengthen the receiving room on Day 3.

Last year alone, the Chargers, Packers, Texans, Bengals, and Patriots all double-dipped at receiver. The Chargers used the 21st overall pick on Quentin Johnston and the 125th overall pick on Derius Davis—they were the only team to use a first-round pick and Day 3 pick on wide receivers.

Like running back, this receiver class offers variety. Want a Day 3 player who gives you size on the outside? Look no further than Johnny Wilson or Devaughn Vele. Want speed that can test defenses vertically? Lideatrick Griffin and Cornelius Johnson might be what you’re looking for.

Linebacker

Off-ball linebackers have become the defense's running backs. Many rotate in and out situationally, and few teams are willing to invest first-round picks in the position. Over the past two seasons, just seven off-ball linebackers have been taken in the first two rounds of the draft—of that bunch, multiple play hybrid roles and come down to the edge on passing downs.

In a weak linebacker class overall, there are still specialists who can be found on day three and can fill a role on a new defense. Ty’Ron Hopper from Missouri has played in defenses that lean on cover three his entire college career and has been effective as a blitzer. Trevin Wallace is an athletic off-ball backer who plays aggressively on the ball in the air and has experience in cover three coming from Kentucky.

Linebackers are common contributors on special teams, and their value has increased in that phase of the game with the new kickoff rules. 

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