Stanford receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside isn’t flashy, but could be a steal

The 2019 NFL Draft class is a good one for wide receivers. There might not be any sure-fire, standout “blue chip” prospects, but this class is deep and talented.

That is good news for a New York Giants team with a wide receiver depth chart that is both shallow and offers few answers beyond the 2019 season. The Giants need to add to their receiving group, but they probably won’t be able to spend one of their first round selections on the position. Their second round selection, however, could be fair game to add to their receiving position. If they choose to address that position, then J.J. Arcega-Whiteside of Stanford could be a good fit for their offense.

Measurables

Pros

• Prototypical size and frame.
• Sharp, detailed, savvy route runner.
• Plays out wide and in the slot.
• Hands catcher. Routinely extends to catch the ball away from his frame.
• Good body control
• Capable producer after the catch.
• Solid athleticism. Ran a 4.49 second 40-yard dash at Stanford’s pro day.
• Gets good releases off the line of scrimmage as well as out of his breaks.
• Willing blocker.

Cons

• Not truly explosive. Good speed but doesn’t have an extra gear.
• Shows some lower-body tightness.

Prospect Video

What They’re Saying

“A high-floor player with a clearly-defined role at the next level, JJ Arcega-Whiteside’s physicality, ball tracking ability, and knack for catching through contact will make him an instant red zone threat in the next level. For schemes that trust their quarterback/wide receiver connections on back-shoulder fades, Arcega-Whiteside’s value only increases, as his best traits translate downfield as well.

But with strong releases at the line of scrimmage and lightning-quick hands in the short areas, Arcega-Whiteside also offers the ability to move the sticks regularly by separating from press and presenting a big and immediate target. He won’t often house his short targets with breakaway speed or elusive traits, nor will he win on multi-break isolation routes, but he is an immediate starter in a valuable scoring role for an NFL offense.”

- Benjamin Solak (The Draft Network - Scouting Report)

Does He Fit The Giants?

Arcega-Whiteside would be a solid fit in the Giants’ offense. He might not be the dynamic “X” receiver they are missing, but he would provide a dependable presence on the outside that they currently lacking. And while he isn’t a particularly flashy player, there are few flaws to be found in Arcega-Whiteside’s tape.

Arcega-Whiteside is a well rounded receiver who’s route running and ability to separate using his route running -- not to mention body control and positioning -- to separate almost at will. That will play well in the Giants’ offense, which is built using concepts and reads to maximize throwing windows. Likewise, Arcega-Whiteside is capable of threatening a defense at all levels of the field and creating after the catch, though he won’t be considered a home run threat.

The fact that he is a good, but not great, athlete could cause him to slide a bit on draft day, but he could be a solid value somewhere in the second round.