Giants NFL Draft 2021 Rumors: DeVonta Smith, Micah Parsons, Jaycee Horn Linked

The New York Giants can go a number of different ways with the No. 11 pick in the 2021 NFL draft, and there is reportedly disagreement among the top decision-makers heading into Thursday's first round. 

"Three things I've heard: Joe Judge loves DeVonta Smith; the organization likes cornerback Jaycee Horn a lot; and Dave Gettleman loves [Micah] Parsons," Peter King of NBC Sports reported.

King projected the Giants take Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons in his mock draft even though Smith and Horn were also still available based on his predictions.

Parsons would represent an exciting option for the Giants thanks to the athleticism and skill set he would bring to the defense. Bleacher Report's Scouting Department listed him as the best blitzer, best run-stopper and most versatile player in the class at linebacker.

The addition could further help a defense that finished ninth in points allowed last season.

Some problems include the Giants history—King noted the franchise hasn't selected a linebacker in Round 1 since 1983—while the organization has appeared wary about players who opted out of the 2020 season, which includes Parsons.

"There's nothing I can compare this to," general manager Dave Gettleman said of the opts outs. "You know, you're almost with a handful of these guys, it's almost like the NBA one-and-done: they go to college for a year and now, bang, they're in the NBA. So, you have to do it on a case-by-case basis."

Smith is on the other end of the spectrum as someone who saw his stock rise tremendously during the past year. The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner torched opponents throughout the college football season, finishing with 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Concerns about his weight at 166 pounds, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, could drop Smith out of the top 10, but it may make him a steal for whoever lands him.

The question mark for the Giants is whether a receiver is needed after adding Kenny Golladay this offseason to a group that already includes Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard.

Horn could help solidify the secondary with a bigger cornerback who can match up with elite receivers when he reaches his potential.

Considering King's mock has offensive players going off the board with the first nine picks, the Giants could have a lot of options defensively at No. 11.