New York Giants: 7-Round 2018 mock draft post-free agency

RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts after a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 33-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Wide receiver Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies runs with the football after a reception ahead of defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos #99 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Odell Beckham Jr. (if he’s still around) needs a running mate to take some of the defense’s attention away. Enter Dante Pettis.

When it comes to speed he’s average. The thing that makes Pettis great is his explosion and quickness in and out of his breaks. He can run all of the routes in the tree and with precision. Pettis is noted for being a tireless worker who will make sure to perfect his craft.

Despite a lack of speed, he was still targeted 24.7 percent of the time on balls thrown 20 yards or more in the air (via Pro Football Focus Elite). He had nine catches (three touchdowns) and zero drops. He also only had three total drops on the season on 64 “catchable” balls (4.7 percent drop rate).

Despite top-end speed, he’s an elusive runner, can make the first guy miss, and quickly get to his top speed. This makes him a valuable punt returner, despite what some may perceive to be a lack of speed. He had his best season as a returner as a senior averaging 20.4 yards per punt return with four touchdowns. Pettis finished his college career with nine punt returns for touchdowns. The combination of his return ability and giving the Giants a second option on offense makes him a value pick here.

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