Wide receiver Jalin Hyatt Jamar Coach/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Three potential targets for receiver-needy Giants in 2023 NFL Draft

By Colum Dell | Last updated 12/6/22

The Giants will be picking much later in the 2023 NFL Draft's first round than fans would have expected if asked in the preseason.

Tankathon has the Giants (7-4-1) slated to select with the No. 23 pick in the first round, taking LSU's Kayshon Boutte. However, Boutte announced Monday that he will not enter the draft and instead return to school next year.

New York, which has one of the league's worst receiving corps, must improve at the position. With Boutte apparently off the board, here are three receivers New York could select early in the draft.

Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

The Ohio State wideout declared for the draft Monday. Smith-Njigba, who played sparingly in three games this season due to a hamstring injury, did not receive medical clearance for the College Football Playoff semifinal against Georgia. He plans to participate in March's NFL Draft Combine.

Smith-Njigba can be a game-changer. After a record-breaking performance in last year's Rose Bowl (15 rec, 347 yards, three TDs) and an incredible sophomore season, Smith-Njigba was the presumed WR1 coming into the season. There is a chance Smith-Njigba could fall into the Giants' lap.

CJ Stroud and Jaxson Smith-Njigba are going to be a LETHAL duo this year @BarstoolOSU pic.twitter.com/ZQzR37vjNK
— Barstool College Football Show (@BarstoolCFB) August 10, 2022

Jaxson Smith-Njigba with one of the best catches I’ve ever seen #TheGame #OhioStateBuckeyes

pic.twitter.com/wuIILIxyDZ
— Billy Heyen (@BillyHeyen) November 27, 2021

Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee

In his breakout 2022 season, he became one of college football's more explosive deep threats. A finalist for Biletnikoff Award, given to the best collegiate receiver, Hyatt led the nation in touchdown receptions (15) and multi-touchdown receiving games (five) this season.

Hyatt ranks third nationally with five 100-yard games this season. His home run playmaking ability would give the Giants' offense a dimension they haven't had since trading Odell Beckham Jr.

HOOKER. HYATT. TOUCHDOWN. pic.twitter.com/rsSb16MHmy
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 15, 2022

1! 2! 3! 4! 5!

Jalin Hyatt's FIFTH receiving touchdown of the day ties it for the Vols. Amazing. pic.twitter.com/KuCFZGE89G
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 15, 2022

Rashee Rice, SMU

A late bloomer, Rice could rise in the WR rankings throughout pre-draft process. His 6-2, 203-pound frame gives him prototypical NFL size, and he can make plays with his high catch radius. The senior's 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns earned him first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors and made him a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award.

With more receivers continuing to go early in the draft each year, Rice could be a great consolation prize if the Giants miss out on the top prospects.