The New York Giants are gearing up for the draft with a focus that might veer away from the allure of a superstar wide receiver in the first round. Instead, they could bolster their defensive ranks or add depth to the offensive line. Given the deep pool of wide receiver talent this year, the Giants might opt to find a hidden gem later on.
Enter Ted Hurst, a 6-foot-3, 207-pound standout from Georgia State. Hurst began his journey at the Division II level and has spent the last two seasons proving he belongs among the elite, wrapping up 2025 with a stellar 1,004-yard season and an impressive 82.1 PFF receiving grade.
For the Giants, who might choose to address other needs early, Hurst is an ideal candidate for Day 2 or early Day 3. He’s a developmental X-receiver who could complement Jaxson Dart’s quick-strike game alongside Malik Nabers.
Giants Eye Senior Bowl Sensation Ted Hurst
Ted Hurst was virtually unknown outside Georgia State until recently. After a standout week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, he’s now a legitimate Day 2 prospect, and the Giants should definitely have him on their radar.
Ben Cooper from Pro Football Focus has highlighted Hurst as a “Sleeper to Watch” at the upcoming 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, noting his impressive Senior Bowl performance, which included a jaw-dropping one-handed catch. Hurst led the FBS with 27 receptions on targets of 20-plus yards over the past two years, showcasing his ability to stretch the field.
Arriving in Mobile with buzz, Hurst seized the opportunity to shine among top-tier talent. His highlight moment came with a spectacular one-handed catch in the end zone, despite tight coverage from Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal.
Projected as a mid-3rd round pick, Hurst aligns perfectly with the Giants’ strategy to find value in the middle rounds.
Hurst: A Hidden Gem in the 2026 NFL Draft
Despite a challenging season for Georgia State, Hurst was a beacon of consistency, racking up nearly 2,000 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns over two years, even with a revolving door at quarterback. He wrapped up his college career with 127 receptions for 1,965 yards and 15 touchdowns, including 71 catches for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns in his final season.
Hurst’s athletic prowess and production make him a potential vertical threat in the NFL. PFF data ranks him 5th in total targets and 29th in receiving yards among college wideouts last season. His knack for contested catches and using his size to his advantage could offer the Giants a new dynamic, differing from their usual preference for smaller, agile receivers.
His seamless transition from D-II to FBS competition suggests he’s ready for the NFL leap. The Senior Bowl only reinforced his ability to compete at the next level.
The Perfect Fit for Jaxson Dart
If the Giants decide to bypass a first-round receiver like Carnell Tate, Hurst becomes an enticing Day 2 option. His profile as a red zone threat-marked by high-point catches and disciplined sideline play-could be just what young quarterback Jaxson Dart needs to enhance his red zone efficiency.
While his route-running is still evolving and he lacks elite short-area burst, his 14.1 yards per reception average highlights his ability to stretch the field. By securing Hurst in the middle rounds, the Giants ensure Dart has a big-bodied target for the 2026 season and beyond.