Giants land Alabama playmaker in latest PFF mock draft
With the 2021 NFL Draft a little over two months away, we have fully entered mock draft season.
Between now and April 29, draft experts will be taking their best shots at predicting who the Giants will take with the 11th overall pick in this year's draft. With no combine this year, college Pro Days will hold a lot more importance over the next few months, as they will serve as the only chance teams have to evaluate prospects on the practice field.
In their latest mock draft, Pro Football Focus predicts the Giants will select an explosive playmaker with their first pick in the form of Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
An ankle injury forced Waddle to miss just over half of the 2020 season. In six games, he caught 28 passes for 591 yards and four touchdowns, earning a selection as Second-Team All-SEC.
In his dominant sophomore campaign in 2019, Waddle reeled in 33 passes for 560 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games. He also averaged 24.4 yards on 20 punt returns with a touchdown in addition to one kickoff return touchdown on only five attempts. The 5-foot-10 receiver was named First-Team All-SEC and SEC Special Teams Player of the Year.
Waddle was also named SEC Freshman of the Year in 2018 after registering 45 receptions for 848 yards and seven touchdowns as well as 16 punt returns for 233 yards (14.6 yards per return) and a touchdown.
As PFF's Austin Gayle writes, "Waddle is arguably a better receiver prospect than Henry Ruggs III was coming out of Alabama in 2020. An explosive, dynamic athlete, Waddle ranks inside the top five in yards per route run (3.64) and yards after the catch per reception (11.5) over the past two seasons."
Photos of 2021 NFL Draft prospect, Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle.
Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) returns a punt for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana-Lafayette, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) makes a move on the field during an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Fla. Alabama won 52-24. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) pulls in a pass over Mississippi defensive back A.J. Finley (21) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. Alabama won 63-48. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) carries the ball against Auburn during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) returns a punt for a touchdown in an NCAA football game against LSU Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. LSU won 46-41. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) carries the ball on a punt return during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) carries the ball against Auburn during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) carries the ball in for a touchdown after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) tries to get past LSU cornerback Kary Vincent Jr. (5) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) carries the ball as he gets around Auburn wide receiver Eli Stove (12) on a punt return during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs past Auburn defensive back Smoke Monday (21) for a touchdown reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) returns a kickoff for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) carries the ball in for a touchdown after a reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) makes a leaping touchdown pass over Auburn defensive back Javaris Davis (13) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) takes the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama offensive lineman Landon Dickerson (69) lifts wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) as they celebrate Waddle's 35-yard touchdown pass reception against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Alabama won 38-7. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrates with Xavier Williams (9) after scoring a touchdown against Auburn during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs past an official with a 35-yard touchdown pass reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Alabama won 38-7. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) scores on a 54-yard pass reception against Western Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) carries the ball in for a touchdown after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) and Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrate Smith's touchdown against LSU in the first half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs after a catch against Arkansas during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama's Jaylen Waddle (17) returns a punt for a touchdown as LSU's Jacob Phillips (6) gives chase in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) sprints to the end zone for a touchdown after 31 yard catch and run against Texas A&M during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) jukes Texas A&M punter Braden Mann (34) during a punt return during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) returns a punt against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) makes a leaping grab against Southern Miss during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Marvin Gentry)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) works the sidelines on a catch against Georgia during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) breaks loose for a 41-yard punt return during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern Miss, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) takes off on a long punt return against Southern Miss during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama's Jaylen Waddle looks to the bench during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs back a punt against New Mexico State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) gets loose on a pass reception against New Mexico State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs back a punt against New Mexico State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, right, eludes New Mexico State defensive back Chance Cook (11) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle runs a route against Duke during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Georgia defensive back Richard LeCounte (2) misses Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Georgia during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs a pass reception in for a long touchdown, working by Alabama defensive back Saivion Smith (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Georgia defensive back Richard LeCounte (2) misses the tackle on Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. Waddle scored a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Alabama offensive lineman Jedrick Wills Jr. (74) picks up wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) in celebration after he scored a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) makes a catch against Georgia defensive back J.R. Reed (20) during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) takes off running on a kickoff return during the second half of Alabama's A-Day NCAA college football scrimmage, Saturday, April 13, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) outruns Auburn defensive back Noah Igbinoghene (4) and defensive back Daniel Thomas (24) for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) catches a pass and thens carries it in for a touchdown against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama won 52-21. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) tries to elude the pursuit of Louisiana-Lafayette running back Ashton Johnson (3) and running back Raymond Calais (4) on a punt return during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) returns a punt for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana-Lafayette, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) catches a pass for a touchdown against Louisiana-Lafayette during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) is tackled by Louisiana-Lafayette defensive back Koa Haynes (29) after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) catches pass and out runs Louisiana-Lafayette defensive back Bralen Trahan (24) for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama won 56-14. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) returns a punt for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana-Lafayette, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) catches a pass for a touchdown against Louisiana-Lafayette during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle makes a fingertip catch for a 49-yard reception against Louisville during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) catches a pass for a touchdown against Louisiana-Lafayette during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle makes a catch for a 49-yard reception against Louisville during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) catches a pass for a touchdown against Louisiana-Lafayette during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) tries to elude the pursuit of Louisiana-Lafayette running back Ashton Johnson (3) and running back Raymond Calais (4) on a punt return during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle poses for a portrait Saturday March 13, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Mock Draft Tracker 6.0: New names enter mix
With just 10 weeks to go until the 2021 NFL Draft, new names have started to enter the mix for the Giants, who hold the No. 11 overall pick.
The 86th annual player selection meeting will take place in Cleveland from April 29 to May 1. Below is a look at draft experts' latest projections for Big Blue:
Pick: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Analysis: "At 6-foot-6, Pitts has the size/speed traits to line up out wide, in the slot or next to an offensive tackle. And he showed off his ability after the catch by averaging 17.9 yards per reception with 12 touchdowns. Pitts is not a traditional tight end, but he's a skilled offensive threat. And with Evan Engram on the roster, too, the Giants would have two of the most athletic -- and versatile -- tight ends in football."
Pick: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Analysis: "The Giants are all in with Daniel Jones and now they need to give him some weapons on the outside."
Pick: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Analysis: "The Giants could enjoy a fantastic duo at tight end -- Pitts is versatile enough to play with [Evan] Engram and be moved around the formation -- and provide quarterback Daniel Jones with a playmaker."
Pick: Gregory Rousseau , EDGE, Miami
Analysis: "Rousseau is an intriguing option for the Giants given his athleticism, length and sack production."
Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
Analysis: "The Giants need pass rush help but bolstering the offensive line may take priority. Andrew Thomas got better as the year progressed, but Vera-Tucker proved in 2020 that he can play either guard or tackle and excelled while doing it."
Pick: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Analysis: "Slater was a guard in high school but played both tackle spots for the Wildcats and could settle in opposite 2020 first-rounder Andrew Thomas."
Pick: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Analysis: "Surtain is about as NFL-ready as it gets at the position, and his 88.6 coverage grade in 2019 was the second-highest in the country. While there are numerous other needs on the roster, a corner across from James Bradberry is a big one, as well."
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah updated his ranking of the top 50 prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft for the final time before the start of the draft.
No. 50 Georgia CB Eric Stokes
No. 49 Oregon S Jevon Holland
No. 48 LSU WR Terrace Marshall Jr.
No. 47 Notre Dame OT Liam Eichenberg
No. 46 Penn State TE Pat Freiermuth
No. 45 Wisconsin-Whitewater IOL Quinn Meinerz
No. 44 Oklahoma EDGE Ronnie Perkins
No. 43 Alabama DT Christian Barmore
No. 42 Houston EDGE Payton Turner
No. 41 Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman
No. 40 Alabama IOL Landon Dickerson
No. 39 Florida State CB Asante Samuel Jr.
No. 38 Virginia Tech OT Christian Darrisaw
No. 37 North Dakota State OT Dillon Radunz
No. 36 Oklahoma State OT Teven Jenkins
No. 35 Michigan OT Jalen Mayfield
No. 34 Missouri LB Nick Bolton
No. 33 Washington EDGE Joe Tryon
No. 32 Alabama QB Mac Jones
No. 31 Penn State EDGE Jayson Oweh
No. 30 Georgia EDGE Azeez Ojulari
No. 29 Washington DT Levi Onwuzurike
No. 28 Florida WR Kadarius Toney
No. 27 Northwestern CB Greg Newsome II
No. 26 Mississippi WR Elijah Moore
No. 25 North Carolina RB Javonte Williams
No. 24 Tulsa LB Zaven Collins
No. 23 Kentucky LB Jamin Davis
No. 22 Virginia Tech CB Caleb Farley
No. 21 Miami EDGE Jaelan Phillips
No. 20 Alabama RB Najee Harris
No. 19 Clemson RB Travis Etienne
No. 18 Miami EDGE Gregory Rousseau
No. 17 Michigan EDGE Kwity Paye
No. 16 TCU S Trevon Moehrig
No. 15 Notre Dame LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
No. 14 South Carolina CB Jaycee Horn
No. 13 USC OL Alijah Vera-Tucker
No. 12 Penn State LB Micah Parsons
No. 11 Oregon OT Penei Sewell
No. 10 Northwestern OT Rashawn Slater
No. 9 Alabama CB Patrick Surtain II
No. 8 Ohio State QB Justin Fields
No. 7 North Dakota State QB Trey Lance
No. 6 Alabama WR DeVonta Smith
No. 5 Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle
No. 4 BYU QB Zach Wilson
No. 3 LSU WR Ja'Marr Chase
No. 2 Florida TE Kyle Pitts
No. 1 Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence
Inside the Film Room: Julian Love's versatility led to big stops
Two-time Super Bowl champion David Diehl breaks down the film of defensive back Julian Love on this edition of Inside the Film Room.
