One of the top NFL prospects sees himself playing for Giants
This would be a perfect marriage
The NFL Combine draws attention for the glitz and glamor of the 40-yard dash, or the brawn of the bench press, but the real takeaways come from the conversations.
Whether that be prospect interviews behind closed doors, dinner meetings over shrimp cocktail, or in this case, podium pressers.
One of the highest-rated prospects in the 2023 draft class, Quentin Johnston's latest comment has invigorated Giants fans.
That last part is music to the ears of all fans flying the "g-men" banner.
The lack of weaponry on the perimeter was the main detriment to a rather functional offense.
After trading away 2021 first-round pick Kadarius Toney mid-season and with featured free agent Kenny Golladay out of favor, the offense had no viable option on the perimeter.
Still in the preliminary part of the offseason, New York's starting wideouts include:
- Isaiah Hodgins
- Darius Slayton
- Richie James
Solid players no doubt, but defensive coaches probably sleep a little more soundly before coordinating their coverage concepts against the Giants.
With an assembly of wide receivers that would struggle to see the field on most teams, New York has no choice but to upgrade the position.
Here's the issue, the 2023 free agent class is.. well, underwhelming, to say the least.
Headlined by players like Jakobi Meyers, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Allen Lazard, the breadth of talent isn't wide-reaching.
While all of the aforementioned have produced in the NFL, none can truly be recognized as a ball-winning, wide receiver number one.
So, let's analyze the draft class. Surely colleges are pumping out dynamic receiving options like the past five classes, right?
Wrong. This class is confounding, with a mix of traits and body types, but it mimics the free agent class in terms of game changers.
The only prospect garnering support as a true "boundary x " receiver is Quentin Johnston.
His mixture of deep speed, run after the catch, and cat-like quickness is seldom seen in someone listed at six-foot-four, 215 pounds.
A player with an alpha skillset, his mentality matches his tangible traits.
A confident, rangy, wide receiver who can stretch the field, New York should sprint the card in on draft night.
The problem? Johnston is likely to be long gone by the time they pick at 25.
Slated at 14 on the consensus board, Johnston is going to be selected 10-15 spots ahead of New York, especially if his combine workout goes as planned.
So let's live in a world where both Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones are on the 2023 Giants.
Imagine inserting this new Ferrari, while fine-tuning some of your daily drivers in the receiving corps.
A playoff team with an offensive mastermind steering the ship (Brian Daboll) brings back their best playmakers and upgrades their fragility outside the numbers.
Could be tough to beat.
But is Johnston worth trading up for? Or should New York hold firm and draft the best player available, risking another year of mediocre play on the boundary?
These are questions that will linger through free agency and into April's draft.
Oh to be a fly on the wall of the Giants facility, best of luck New York.
Featured image via © Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
