2016 NFL Draft: Can Josh Doctson replace Rueben Randle?

The New York Giants looked to have one of the top receiving corps in the game heading in to the 2016 season. That perception quickly eroded as Victor Cruz suffered a calf injury and Rueben Randle -- who has been an inconsistent player for throughout his tenure as a Giant -- dealt with knee tendinitis and fan favorite Corey Washington failed to emerge when given an opportunity.

While Dwayne Harris responded to his opportunity by turning in his best season as a pro, he is also a core special teams player. If -- or when -- Randle leaves via free agency, the Giants need to find a No. 2, or even second and third wide receivers.

Flush with money, the Giants could sign a receiver in free agency, but it's possible they could also draft one. Josh Doctson has been one of the most productive receivers in college football, so he could be an option.

Measurables

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 195 pounds

40 Time: 4.50 (projected)

Pros

• Tremendous catch radius. Tall, with long arms, and a natural hands catcher, Doctson can catch anything close to him.
• Adjusts to the ball well. Despite his thin frame, he boxes out defenders while presenting a target in close areas, and can adjust to deep balls in the air.
• Highly productive. Caught 25 touchdowns his last two years despite missing three games. Lead TCU in receiving all three years at the program
• Smooth athlete. Doesn't look fast, but can eat up yardage in a hurry. Cuts are smooth as well, without being overly rounded.
• Works back to the ball well. Often bails out his quarterback on sidearm throws and isn't afraid to dive for the ball.
• Doctson isn't the most physical player, but he doesn't shy away from a hit.

Cons

• Very thin and his frame might be maxed out. Struggled at times with press coverage at college, and might be limited to the slot or "Z" position at the next level.
• Played in a spread offense and wasn't asked to run a full route tree.
• Offense created space in the defense, how he plays in a pro offense is a question
• Suffered a broken wrist in November. Medicals will need to be checked out.

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - Not in top 50

Mocking The Draft - 26th

CBS - 40th

Draft Tek - 22nd

Does He Fit With the Giants?

Well, Doctson is a receiver and the Giants don't have many of those at the moment, so yes.

He's has the traits to eventually be a good one, however, expectations should be tempered somewhat. He has the ability to create separation with his routes, but his route tree is limited coming out of TCU, and he doesn't have the physical skills to just overwhelm defenders.

If he were drafted by the Giants, they would have to be careful to put him in position to use his skills early on. He has a tremendous catch radius, strong hands, and a great ability to adjust to the ball in the air. He could be the type of receiver to make a defense pay for focusing too much attention on Odell Beckham Jr.

Final Thoughts

The 2016 wide receiver class is a lean one. Both in talent -- as compared to the unusually talented 2014 and 2015 classes -- and in overall body type. While Josh Doctson is thin for an NFL receiver, his body-type is common among the players coming out. Add to that the prevalence of the spread offense in college, and teams looking for a "Pro Ready No. 1" receiver will be sorely disappointed.

However, there are several receivers, Doctson among them, who should be productive early in their career, even if they don't profile as prototypical "No.1" receivers.