New York Giants: 2016 Seven-Round Mock Draft

WR Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh; Round 3, Pick 8, 71st Overall

Height: 6-feet-1 ½ inches
Weight: 197 pounds

The Giants wide receiver depth chart is full of question marks behind Odell Beckham Jr. Victor Cruz has deemed himself 100 percent healthy, but it is tough to count on someone who hasn’t played since October, 2014. With Rueben Randle also leaving as a free agent, the Giants have very little on their depth chart at wide receiver currently, not signing anyone during free agency.

In steps Tyler Boyd. He has a mid-range Day 2 grade, so falling into the third round means the Giants are maximizing value while hitting on a need. He would provide Eli Manning with yet another weapon with sure hands that could play underneath as the possession receiver Randle never panned out to be alongside Beckham’s explosiveness.

Boyd was extremely productive during his time at Pittsburgh, as he is the school’s career leader in receptions and receiving yards with 254 and 3,361. He did that without much help, as Pittsburgh had very little else in the way of playmakers on the outside. He accounted for a quarter of Pitt’s offense last season, racking up 1,275 total yards. 349 of them came on the ground, as Boyd was Pitt’s third leading rusher with 349 yards on 40 carries.

Boyd has outstanding hands, as he had only 10 drops in 374 career targets at Pitt. He is a strong route runner and his versatility makes him someone the Giants could move around the offense. He can line up as an outside receiver, in the slot or even in the backfield. He doesn’t have the greatest athleticism or speed, but uses his smarts and ball skills to make up for it.

Boyd would fit in well across from Beckham to replace the departed Randle. His versatility would add another wrinkle to the Giants offense and give them someone to take pressure off of their star receiver working the middle of the field.

Next: Fourth Round Pick