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New York Giants: Lots of Options on Day 2 of NFL Draft

By Ryan Disdier

Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (38) against the Washington Huskies in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Washington 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (38) against the Washington Huskies in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Washington 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wide receivers

Leonte Carroo, Rutgers

Nov 28, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Leonte Carroo (4) makes a one handed catch while being defended by Maryland Terrapins defensive back Darnell Savage Jr. (26) during the first half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Leonte Carroo (4) makes a one handed catch while being defended by Maryland Terrapins defensive back Darnell Savage Jr. (26) during the first half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

At this point, I’ve made my thoughts on Carroo well-known. I think he has the potential to be a difference-maker in this league as an outside receiver.

He consistently produced at Rutgers, even with mediocre-at-best quarterback play. What should make him so appealing to the Giants is his ability to make plays. Eli Manning is known for giving his receivers chances to make plays in one-on-one situations. Carroo can win those situations and help stretch the field.

Carroo may not be the biggest receiver at 6-0, but he plays much bigger than that when the ball is in the air. He can leap and adjust his body to haul in difficult balls.

It’s tough to predict where Carroo will go, as it’s possible he slips into the third round, but also just as feasible to see him get poached in the mid-to-late picks of the second round.  He’s a bit of a late-riser, but his ceiling is through the roof, if you ask me.

Braxton Miller, Ohio State

Sep 7, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) runs for a touchdown as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive tackle Luther Maddy (92) and cornerback Chuck Clark (19) defend in the third quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) runs for a touchdown as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive tackle Luther Maddy (92) and cornerback Chuck Clark (19) defend in the third quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Sticking on the topic of receivers, Braxton Miller is a player who would give the Giants a transcendent player who can make plays when he has the ball in his hands.

The former quarterback is still a little green when it comes to route running, but the Giants likely won’t have to think too hard about how to incorporate Miller. Slants, drags, fly routes and screens will likely be Miller’s bread and butter during his first year in the league.

His hands are a bit inconsistent, but seriously, Miller is magic in the open field.

Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma

Sep 5, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) runs the ball against the Akron Zips during the second quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) runs the ball against the Akron Zips during the second quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

The best word to describe Shepard is “smooth.” He’s garnered Tyler Lockett comparisons, and rightfully so. He’s a little undersized at 5-10, but then again, so is Odell Beckham Jr.

He’s what the Giants like in terms of slot receivers, having a skill-set similar to Victor Cruz‘s. In fact, drafting Shepard would give the Giants a long-term solution if Cruz can never fully recover from his injury.

Shepard can run any route on a route tree, and he’s quick in and out of his breaks. Shepard would be a good addition to the Giants’ offense.

Michael Thomas, Ohio State

Oct 24, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Michael Thomas (3) hauls in pass during the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Oct 24, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Michael Thomas (3) hauls in pass during the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /

Urban Meyer recently called Thomas the most competitive receiver he’s ever had, which is tremendous praise.

Thomas, 6-3, would give the Giants the big-bodied receiver they so desire to play opposite of Odell Beckham Jr. He’s got the height, desire and speed to succeed in the NFL, and he would get an immediate opportunity to contribute on New York’s offense.

I think he may make the most since on day two.

Other names to consider: Tyler Boyd (Pitt), Malcolm Mitchell (Georgia), Pharoh Cooper (South Carolina) 

Next: Help up front

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