2012 NFL Draft: 3 Fits for New York Giants' No. 3 Receiver Role

The New York Giants could use a third wide receiver to complement the efforts of explosive starting duo Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. Wide receiver is one of the deepest position groups in this year's draft class, so there are plenty of mid-round options for the G-Men to choose from.

Cruz excels in the slot, so a pure slot receiver is not a major need. However, the Giants do need another wideout able to stretch the field.

Here are the best three options for Big Blue to choose from:

T.Y. Hilton, Florida International

T.Y. Hilton is a natural third wide receiver. The diminutive pass-catcher has legitimate playmaking skills. Hilton offers genuine vertical speed, as well as a deceptive toughness over the middle.

He was very productive at the collegiate level and has the versatility, quickness and soft hands to be a vital outlet in Big Blue's multiple receiver sets.

Hilton also offers game-changing return skills that should appeal to a Giants team lacking a true threat in this area.

Nick Toon, Wisconsin

Nick Toon has prototypical size and the flexibility to attack a defense both from the slot and out on the edge. He is a physical flanker, able to overpower defensive backs at close quarters.

The Wisconsin star is an intelligent route-runner who varies his breaks well.

However, issues with drops are a concern and something Toon would quickly have to overcome under the watchful eye of a former wide receivers coach as demanding as Tom Coughlin.

A.J. Jenkins, Illinois

A.J. Jenkins has a knack for getting open and a keen instinct for exposing the gaps in zone coverage concepts. He has gotten better each season at Illinois and is a sure-handed wideout.

He does lack elite speed and only possesses a limited range of after-the-catch moves. However, Jenkins is a prolific pass-catcher whose ability to thrive in the space created by Cruz and Nicks could justify the Giants using a second-round pick to take him.

Conclusion

The strength of this Giants team is the passing game, and the more weapons Eli Manning has to aim for, the better.

Victor Cruz proved that the Giants can look past a lack of elite intangibles and still find a way to highlight a receiver's individual strengths.

Adding another weapon alongside Cruz and Nicks is an important draft consideration. It would prevent the offense from feeling the loss of the complement that Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham provided.