Giants Can Replace Wan'Dale Robinson With 'Elite' Draft WR

Adding a credible No. 2 wide receiver to support go-to target Malik Nabers remains on the to-do list for the New York Giants after losing Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency, but fortunately, the team can “seamlessly replace” the productive slot receiver with an “elite” pass-catcher from the 2026 NFL draft class.

It would involve head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen using their second-round pick to take KC Concepcion off the board. The idea comes from ESPN’s Matt Miller, who deems “elite yards-after-catch receiver” Concepcion as worthy of the 37th-overall selection because he “excels from the slot.”

Miller’s scenario is underpinned by Concepcion being “a chain mover” and therefore, a natural complement to Nabers. The latter can stretch the field once he’s fully recovered from the torn ACL that wrecked his second season in the pros.

A healthy again Nabers will open up room for a crafty and dynamic underneath receiver to exploit. The problem is the Giants don’t have one of those, even after adding two veteran during free agency.

Enter Concepcion, who possesses the attributes to improve the intermediate passing game for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. It’s something Harbaugh also expects from one of the many former Baltimore Ravens who’ve joined the Giants this offseason.

KC Concepcion a Worthy Replacement for Wan’Dale Robinson

Dart lost a legitimate 1,000-yard receiver when Robinson opted to cash in and reunite with ex-Giants head coach Brian Daboll. More than the numbers, Robinson provided a raw, but gifted young signal-caller with a safety valve who could be targeted via quick, short throws.

Building a credible and effective short game is one of the keys to furthering Dart’s development, but the approach demands speed after the catch. Concepcion offers this key attribute after producing “37% more YAC than expected” on a route adjusted yards after catch basis, according to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis.

Many of the former Texas A&M star’s best run-after-catch plays begin with him going on the move before the snap. As Fantasy Life’s Ian Hartitz detailed by citing Pro Football Focus, “Concepcion led top-23 WR prospects (via PFF’s big board) in career targets (76), receptions (55) and receiving TDs (7) after being in motion before the snap.”

Having a motion weapon he could unleash in multiple ways would suit new Giants offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. He’s entrenched in the schemes of Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, whose offense is based around moving parts and manufacturing space for short and shifty receivers.

Concepcion fits the bill, even if the 5-foot-11, 196-pounder’s size is far from prototypical. Concerns about his frame as well as “a rough career 6.5% drop rate,” per Hartitz, could send Concepcion tumbling into the second round.

That may be wishful thinking, but the Giants would surely find it hard to resist pouncing if Concepcion slides on draft day. He’d be an ideal fit for a passing game being revamped at key spots since Harbaugh took over.

Giants Expecting Big Things from John Harbaugh Favorite

The Giants didn’t spend $40 million on tight end Isaiah Likely believing the modest career-high 42 catches the tight end made in 2024 represents his ceiling. Instead, Harbaugh will be counting on former Raven Likely to “be big here,” per NJ.com’s Darryl Slater.

Harbaugh being “certain” about Likely’s ability “to put up the numbers” is welcome confidence other members of Nabers and Dart’s supporting cast don’t necessarily inspire.

That’s not a knock on newcomers Calvin Austin III and Darnell Mooney. Both are sub-6-foot wideouts who can line up inside, but they are more suited to producing chunk plays vertically than consistently escaping traffic over the middle.

The latter talent is what makes seeing Concepcion still on the board in Round 2 a dream scenario for the Giants in this draft.

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