Wide receiver and cornerback. Cornerback and wide receiver.
Whichever order you prefer, it is hard to argue those are the two areas the Giants need to upgrade sooner rather than later.
Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale could be even bolder with his blitz packages if he knew the back end was better fortified.
Offensive play-caller Mike Kafka could be even more creative if he had enhanced weapons at his disposal for Daniel Jones.
How about giving two of Brian Daboll’s top assistants more talent in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft?
For Mock Draft 3.0, we went back to the Pro Football Network simulator and rejected all trade proposals.
The envelopes, please:
Round 1, No. 25 overall: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Previous picks: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College; Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Here is a big, athletic and fast weapon for Daniel Jones to target. In his three-year college career, Johnston averaged 18.9 yards on his 115 receptions — he is a big-time vertical threat at 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds.
Quentin Johnston would give Daniel Jones a Giants weapon. Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesHis hands are not great and he does not come down with the ball on contested catches as often as you would like, but there is plenty to work with in this height, weight and speed prospect.
Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins and Sterling Shepard were re-signed and veterans Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder were added in free agency.
Brian Daboll wants to throw it more, and Johnston should allow that to happen.
Round 2, No. 57 overall: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Previous picks: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota; Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
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Adoree’ Jackson returns as the No. 1 corner and after him … well, um, who?
Aaron Robinson? Cor’Dale Flott? Nick McCloud? Darnay Holmes? Newcomer Armani Oruwaiye?
Might as well hang the Help Wanted sign.
Clark Phillips III starred for Utah Getty ImagesDo not call Phillips small at 5-9 and 184 pounds.
He is not tall, but he has an NFL-ready physique.
He is extremely self-motivated and has outstanding anticipation — four of his nine interceptions were pick-sixes.
Should be able to challenge immediately for a role at nickel back.
Round 3, No. 89 overall: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Previous picks: Andre Carter, EDGE, Army; Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
Battle can serve as a slot corner or box safety with his good size (6-1, 209).
Considered a dedicated film-study guy, and three of his six career interceptions were returned for touchdowns.
A need for help at safety was created when Julian Love signed with the Seahawks.
Battle can compete with Jason Pinnock, Dane Belton and former Dolphins and Commanders starter Bobby McCain for first-team reps.
Round 3, No. 128 overall: Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
Previous picks: Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia; Nick Saldiveri, OL, Old Dominion
Let us remember, Saquon Barkley at this point is signed only through 2023.
Roschon Johnson during the NFL Scouting Combine Getty ImagesJohnson fits Daboll’s “smart, tough, dependable’’ requirement list.
Johnson, as the backup for stud Bijan Robinson for the Longhorns, got the tough yards. He averaged 6.0 yards per carry in 2022 and had 23 career touchdown runs.
Power back at 6-0 and 219 pounds with only one fumble in college.
Graduated in 2022 with a degree in business administration.
Round 5, No. 160 overall, Colby Wooden, DT, Auburn
Previous picks: Riley Moss, CB Iowa; Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
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Heavy-handed is considered a positive trait for the big guys up front, and the 6-4, 273-pound Wooden has a frame capable of adding muscle.
Quick first step led to 15 sacks the past three seasons and the Giants are not deep at this spot.
Round 5, No. 172 overall: Chandler Zavala, G, North Carolina State
Previous picks: Zacch Pickens, DL, Oklahoma State; Tyler Lacy, DE, South Carolina
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Here’s the beef, at 6-3 and 322 pounds.
Zavala is a powerful drive-blocker who was named first-team all-ACC in 2022 for his work at left guard.
If the Giants think he can give center a shot, all the better.
Round 6, No. 209 overall: Jalen Moreno-Cropper, WR, Fresno State
Previous picks: Brandon Kipper, G, Oregon State; Mohamed Ibrahim, RB, Minnesota
Moreno-Cropper is a 5-11, 172-pound slot target with tremendous production (169 catches) the past two seasons, including 11 touchdowns in 2021.
This would be a fun selection for Daboll’s creativity, as Moreno-Cropper can be used on jet sweeps and gadget-play passes, and can also return kicks.
Bumper Pool on the Arkansas sidelines Getty ImagesRound 7, No. 240 overall: Bumper Pool, LB, Arkansas
Previous picks: Arquon Bush, CB, Cincinnati; DJ Dale, DT, Alabama
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How are you gonna pass up a guy with such a great name?
Off-ball ’backer who finished as the school’s all-time tackle leader with 441.
The 6-3, 235-pound Pool was a team captain, but had a hip injury in November that required surgery.
Round 7, No. 243 overall: Marte Mapu, LB/S, Sacramento State
Previous picks: Karl Brooks, DT, Bowling Green; Elijah Higgins, WR, Stanford
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Too small for a linebacker, too big for a safety?
We’ll see.
Mapu is versatile and tough, fills up the stat sheet and can play a variety of roles on special teams.
Was the 2022 Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year.
Round 7, No. 254 overall: Karl Brooks, DT, Bowling Green
Previous picks: Marte Mapu, LB/S, Sacramento State; Christian Braswell, CB, Rutgers
Sure, the level of competition must be considered, but Brooks, a two-time team captain, has good size (6-3, 303), a good first step and excellent production (17.5 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss) the past two seasons).
