Most Giants fans agree that the two biggest areas of need are at linebacker and wide receiver. Which position is at a higher priority is debatable, but it is certain that the Giants will address these two weaknesses during the offseason. Being that the Giants have three picks in the first two rounds, it is possible that Jerry Reese will decide to plug these holes with rookie players. With the recent first day selections of Aaron Ross, Steve Smith, Kenny Phillips and Terrell Thomas, Reese has shown that he is not afraid to use the draft to fix the team’s biggest flaws.

The draft is still months away (April 25 & 26), but it is never too early to start looking at possible prospects. With questions surrounding the futures of Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, it is entirely possible that the Giants could head into the draft with only one receiver over 6 feet (Domenik Hixon). Whether or not Burress and Toomer return, the Giants should look to pick up a tall receiver for the present and future. Let us now take a look at some of the players at wide receiver who will make the most sense for the Giants.

Note: due to the glut of smallish receivers on the roster (Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss, Mario Manningham), prospects under 6′1 will not be considered.

Click names for video highlight.

—

1. Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) 6-3, 214

Not gonna happen.

2. Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland) 6-3, 206

One of the best athletes in the draft, Hey-Bey is rumored to have run a sub-4.3 40-yard dash, is skilled at jump balls and can break tackles. His draft stock could fall due to the fact that his abilities are raw and his stats were hurt by being in a rushing offense. He could be the second receiver taken, or he could fall out of the first round, depending on how he performs at the combine.

3. Jeremy Maclin (Missouri) 6-1, 200

Maclin is the whole package, combining size and speed, and strength. He also has the ability to return punts and kicks effectively. He put up eye-popping numbers in a good college offense. He might not be available by the time the Giants pick in the first round.

4. Kenny Britt (Rutgers) 6-4, 205

While not as fast as Heyward Bey or Maclin, the local boy uses his size to his advantage. He is somewhat inconsistent, is a raw route runner, and rumors are that he may have some attitude problems (but then again, who doesn’t these days?). He looks the part, and would be a solid second round pick.

5. Hackeem Nicks (North Carolina) 6-1, 215

Pretty good size and strength, but only average speed. He showed his amazing hands and focus in making one of the best catches of the year during the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

6. Louis Murphy (Florida) 6-2, 205

Similar to Heyward-Bey in that he has great speed and size, but was underutilized in college. Florida’s offense did not make use of this deep threat, and he was overshadowed by the smaller Percy Harvin. Murphy has a lot of promise and could turn into a second round steal.

Second Day Sleepers:

Ramses Barden (Cal Poly) 6-6, 227

At 6-6, Barden is already a Giant (hahahaha!) His gigantic body would provide a Plax-like target for Eli. He can catch, but has trouble separating due to below average speed.

Darius Passmore (Marshall) 6-3, 188

Good size, good hands, average speed. If he sticks in the NFL, he could go down as one of the most appropriately named players since QB Adam Throwgood and RB Steven Runfast. Just imagine all the hilarious “we need to pass more to Passmore” jokes.

—

This draft is deep at wide receiver, so it is possible that teams will pass on some of the top-tier prospects, knowing that there will be other quality receivers later in the draft. I would like to see the Giants go after Heyward-Bey, who I think has the highest upside, or Kenny Britt, whose body type makes him a perfect future replacement for Plaxico Burress.

What do you think the Giants should do with their three first-day picks? Are there any receivers you’d like to see them go after that I have not mentioned? Don’t be afraid to share your opinions.