If the New York Giants want to take the safe route at No. 5, this player should be the pick.
Let me make something very clear before I even start: I absolutely want the New York Giants to trade down from No. 5. I think it's the best course of action for the team, but I also realize that it's easier said than done.
So in the event that the Giants do ultimately fail to find a trade partner (I do think they will make a strong attempt), what should New York do with the fifth overall pick?
Well, if I'm being honest, I would want the Giants to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane given the dire need they have at the position, and Delane seems to be the best corner in this draft class.
However, there is understandable trepidation in draft circles about making Delane a top-five selection, as most feel he should come off the board more around the No. 10 range.
So if New York is gunshy about pulling the trigger on Delane at No. 5, the safest pick then becomes very obvious: Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
I know a couple of other Buckeyes players — linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs — seem to be on everyone's radar at the moment, but in reality, Tate is actually the best route to go out of those three.
Why? Because Tate is the consensus top receiver in this crop, and the Giants have a glaring need at the position.
Carnell Tate. Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.Yes, New York signed Calvin Austin III and Darnell Mooney in free agency, but it also lost Wan'Dale Robinson, and let's remember that Malik Nabers is returning from a torn ACL. We don't know what to expect from him.
Tate's 40 time at the Scouting Combine (4.54) was a bit concerning, but let's keep in mind that he is a 6-foot-3, big-bodied X-receiver who is more about possession and yards after the catch rather than a downfield burner.
And if Nabers does come back healthy? Then the Giants would suddenly have a nasty wide receiver duo with some nice depth in Mooney and Austin.
I think New York will almost certainly take a wide out at some point in this draft, especially considering how deep the position is. There should be plenty of compelling targets available in the later rounds, which does strengthen the argument against the Giants taking Tate at No. 5. I get it.
But again, we are talking about the safe pick here. For as tantalizing as guys like Jeff Caldwell and Bryce Lance may be a bit later on, Tate is the proven top option, so if New York stays put at No. 5, he should be the selection.
Putting together a reliable set of weapons for Jaxson Dart is paramount, and if the Giants are able to nab Tate, they would be pretty set there moving forward.
NY Giants Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Giants. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.