New York Giants 2018 NFL Draft Target: Dante Pettis

The New York Giants need a second option at wide receiver to take some of the burden off Odell Beckham Jr., and Dante Pettis would be a good second-day draft option to fill that role.

Assuming that the trade talk is only noise, Odell Beckham Jr. is the only option opponents of the New York Giants need to focus on, with all due respect to Sterling Shepard. They need a second option, and there will be plenty of them available on Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft.

In 2016, Dante Pettis proved he could be that quality second option. Alongside John Ross, he had 15.5 yards per reception and 15 touchdowns. When the opponents of the Washington Huskies could shift their focus to him in 2017, however, his production dropped.

Fast is not a word that could describe Pettis, because his speed is rather average. However, he can explode into his routes and has quality hip movement which creates separation. Even though he’s not fast, the Huskies did target him 24.7 percent of the time on passes 20 yards or more in the air (via Pro Football Focus). He had a catch rate (receptions per target) of 37.5 percent, but had a drop rate of zero percent. He also can run the entire route tree, and that makes him a valuable weapon opposite of OBJ.

The Giants could use some help on special teams as well. Despite a lack of top-line speed, Pettis can provide them with a quality punt returner. He averaged over 20 yards per return in 2017, and he had nine career punt return touchdowns (career high four in 2017). Even though he doesn’t have the speed element of punt returning, he’s incredibly elusive and quick, which makes him a valuable asset in punt returns. Once he makes his first move he can hit his top speed quickly.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency 3 rounds

The combination of his receiving skills and return skills make him a valuable asset for the Giants. He’s a must draft in the middle rounds if available, because he covers multiple needs.