The New York Giants' plans at wide receiver may have just changed dramatically.
The New York Giants definitely need to add a wide receiver this offseason, especially if Wan'Dale Robinson walks via free agency.
Even if the Giants re-sign Robinson, they should still bring in another wide out to help Jaxson Dart, preferably in the form of an X-receiver.
That's why Ohio State Buckeyes star Carnell Tate has looked like such a slam dunk for New York with the No. 5 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
But Tate's showing at the Scouting Combine may have just significantly altered the Giants' plans.
Tate ran a 4.54-second 40-yard dash, a rather ugly (or at least pedestrian) number for a player who has long been hailed as the best all-around receiver in this draft class.
The fact that Tate's 40 time wasn't as impressive as anticipated is not necessarily a be-all-end-all for the 21-year-old, but it could certainly make New York (and other NFL teams) double take.
You do have to wonder if Tate's lackluster performance in Indianapolis will result in the Giants going in a different direction with their first-round pick and then maybe circling back around to the wide receiver position on Day 2.
Carnell Tate. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.We have heard New York linked to linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs — Tate's Ohio State teammates — at No. 5, and even Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has gained some traction there (although I think that's more of a smokescreen by the Giants than anything else).
John Harbaugh and Joe Schoen could also opt to trade down, which would give Big Blue some much-needed extra draft capital.
There are plenty of other receivers in this draft class, as well.
Washington's Denzel Boston — who may very well end up being the best of the bunch — told reporters at the Scouting Combine that he would love to play for the Giants.
Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson and USC's Makai Lemon are also options, but I don't think either would be a great fit for New York for differing reasons. Tyson has a lengthy injury history, and Lemon is just too small.
Chris Bell, Malachi Fields, Chris Brazzell, Omar Cooper and Ja'Kobi Lane are other names to monitor over the first several rounds, although it's worth noting that New York does not currently own a third-round pick, which complicates things.
One thing is for sure, though: Tate did not do himself any favors in Indy, and you can bet the Giants took notice.
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