Following a disappointing 6-11 season in 2023, the pressure is on New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll to turn the team’s fortunes around in 2024.
Massive upgrades are needed throughout the roster, which is why there’s a ton of speculation on what New York might do with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Several mock drafts have the Giants taking a wide receiver with the sixth overall pick. It makes sense for them to go in that direction considering the franchise hasn’t had a true number-one receiver since they traded Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns following the 2018 season.
It’s highly unlikely that the top prospect Marvin Harrison Jr. is still on the board when New York is on the clock. But there are several prospects that have the potential to be a legitimate number-one receiving option. Here’s a quick look at three receivers that will be viable options for Big Blue in Round 1.
Related: 2024 NFL mock draft
Malik Nabers, LSU
It worked out well for Big Blue when they took an LSU wideout in the first round ten years ago in OBJ, and some feel history might repeat itself with Malik Nabers. Nabers played three seasons with the LSU Tigers, and last season was his best as he caught 89 passes for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns.
He’s an exceptional route runner with excellent body control and is a dynamic playmaker in the open field. He had nine games last season where he had over 100 yards receiving, including a game on September 16th against Mississippi State where he had 13 receptions for 239 yards and two touchdowns.
Given how well recent top LSU wideouts such as Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase have fared in the NFL, many feel the All-American Nabers can have similar success as they’ve had.
Related: New York Giants reportedly could let Saquon Barkley walk in NFL free agency
Rome Odunze, Washington
One of the reasons some feel Rome Odunze would be the ideal fit for the Giants is because his biggest attribute that is sorely missing from the receivers’ room and that’s size.
In his four years at Washington, he caught 214 passes for 3,272 yards and 24 touchdowns. In his final season with the Huskies, he had 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns, helping lead his team to the National Championship Game while earning All-American honors.
Whenever Michael Penix Jr. needed a big play, he looked to Odunze, and the standout receiver had over 100 yards receiving in 10 out of the 15 games he played last season. His size and physicality will certainly help give the Giants red zone efficiency a boost.
Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
LSU had not one but two explosive receivers for Heisman winner Jayden Daniels to throw to as Brian Thomas has made a case that he should be selected in the first half of round one.
In his first two seasons with the Tigers, he had 59 receptions for 720 yards and seven touchdowns. Then he exploded in 2023, catching 68 passes for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns.
He possesses the size and speed that will immediately elevate New York’s passing game. He will need to become a better route runner but that can be improved with coaching. If New York decides to trade down a few spots to accumulate picks, Thomas could be the player they take with their first pick.
If New York takes either Naber, Odunze, or Thomas, they stand a good chance next season of becoming the first Giants receiver since OBJ to have 1,000 receiving yards.
All three amongst other top wideouts will compete on Saturday March 2nd at the NFL Combine as they look to showcase their talents, and impress coaches and scouts.