The New York Giants did not do much to impact their wide receiving corps this offseason. After a dismal 2013, the team needed to add some playmakers around quarterback Eli Manning in order to improve for 2014. They did well with their ground game adjustments, but the Giants still have big holes at the tight end position and the vacancy left by Hakeem Nicks. Victor Cruz hopes they fill it in the draft.
Cruz wants the Giants to bring in the best offensive playmaker with their first round pick. Already poised to draft a receiver at some point, the New York Daily News is reporting that Mike Evans is the favorite. The Texas A&M star is considered one of the top two picks at the position this year and the Giants are hoping to grab him quickly. Cruz would love it.
"He's a guy that's a big body that can get down the field, that can catch the ball with strength over his head, around defenders," Cruz said, via the New York Daily News. "He's a guy that I watched a lot during his college tenure and that I'm excited about."
The biggest question for the Giants and Evans is whether or not the wide receiver will be available at No. 12. Sammy Watkins is projected to be drafted in the first five picks. Evans will go next, but it remains to be seen if he will drop out of the top ten. The Detroit Lions want a receiver. The Rams want a receiver. With Evans and Watkins neck and neck as far as stats go, they both could be off the board come time for the Giants to pick. Cruz notes that an outside receiver is a huge hole for the Giants and he could love to see a jump up for someone.
"A [big-play receiver] is something we need in this offense to be successful," Cruz said. "An outside guy that can do the job and that can help fuel all the other receivers in the locker room and put some fire up under them to get them where they have to be."
Outside of another receiver, a tight end is a huge issue for the Giants. The team is in need of someone and while they could draft a rookie for the spot, New York has been eyeing a few remaining free agents. Both Jermichael Finley and Dustin Keller are the best available and both have uncertainties surround their health status. Keller stresses he has been cleared after his leg injury while Finley is still awaiting the green light. Both will not sign until after the draft and the Giants could grab one of them.
