Its been a few years, but its worth reviewing the success of that team. They finished the season rated 4th in the nation with a record of 12-2, following a Peach Bowl loss to Alabama.
The team was solid at most positions, but probably best known for its prolific receivers- John Ross and Dante Pettis. Ross in particular had one of the most memorable years of any college receiver ever- 81 receptions for 1150 yards and an incredible 17 touchdowns. To add to those stats, Ross also had a rushing touchdown on a reverse and ran a kickoff back for another. 19 touchdowns in a single season !!!
Pettis, the son of Houston Astro 3rd base coach, Gary Pettis, was equally impressive with 53 receptions for over 800 yards and 15 touchdowns. Pettis also led the nation in punt returns, returning 2 for touchdowns (and the following year Pettis would return 4 more punts for TDs, setting the NCAA record)
Ross would end up being the 9th player taken in the 2016 draft, and Pettis taken with the 44th pick of the 2017 draft.
My reason for reminding fans of this is twofold:
1. Optimism that both these players are both now Giants. They each failed with their first NFL teams, but the talent and skill from those college days has to make us hopeful. The Giants are asking these players to be 4th and 5th receivers, not number 1's & number 2's. Pettis showed us some at the end of last season (several other teams put in waiver claims besides the Giants) as Pettis had some nice contributions in the Giants final 2 games. And Ross- take a look at some video highlights of his 2016 season at Washington. Based on his college performance and Pro Day, there was no reason to expect that level of play not to continue.
2. This past college year, Alabama had 2 receivers with equally amazing seasons and they are continually in the conversation as top picks in the draft. I am not trying to compare Ross and Pettis to Smith and Waddle, but I am trying to point out that a great college career for a player does not automatically transfer to the pro game.
The same can happen at any position. Prior to Free Agency, you probably could have sold me on the Giants using the 11th pick on a receiver. But with the addition of Golladay (and hopefully Ross), I just can't see taking any receiver with that pick.
I am a George Young "Planet Theory" guy. When I look at the 2020 Giants, I see too pretty obvious issues- a quarterback without enough time, and opposing quarterbacks with too much time. For me, I am using the 11th pick to resolve one of those 2 issues.
Or is there an asterisk because of his position?
Or is there an asterisk because of his position?
That's a good point. The ONLY position I would discount because of postion is RB. Maybe QB only if you have one of the greats.
Obviously the Giants may think differently than me since they took Barkely at two, but on the flip side, a healthy Barkley and Harris would be a match-up nightmare. 20 personnel would be fun to watch.
Giants got a QB and LT, but there were clearly better players available, imo. This is what happens when the timeline to win is short.
I would be surprised if they don't address guard at some point on day two.
It’s a team game overall and there is no one way to build a team. Choose the best non-QB/RB/out there
Smith may be there.
You are not wrong regarding the Giants receivers possibly being a bit better than advertised. Personally, I would like to see Slater or Darrisaw in round 1 and a guard in round 2. The o-line could be set for years if they pan out.
Can't send Smith to Philly. The more I hear about Smith the more I like him. Also there is the JJ - Alabama connection.
Only position I could see trumping WR is edge rusher. If both WR and edge are sitting at 11 and both are rated equally? I'd have to believe they take the edge.