The New York Giants 2023 NFL Draft is now complete. Over the next weeks and months their rookie class will report to camps and workouts, each hoping to help the Football Giants make another playoff run. Here is where the New York Giants 2023 NFL Draft class fits into their immediate and long-term future.
- First Round, 24th Overall: Deonte Banks, CB
- Second Round, 57th Overall: John Michael Schmitz, OG
- Third Round, 73rd Overall: Jalin Hyatt, WR
- Fifth Round, 172nd Overall: Eric Gray, RB
- Sixth Round, 209th Overall: Tre Hawkins III, CB
- Seventh Round, 243rd Overall: Jordon Riley, DL
- Seventh Round, 254th Overall: Gervarrius Owens, S
New York Giants 2023 NFL Draft Review Grade: 9/10
New York Giants 2023 NFL Draft Review: Starters All Around
The Best Player: Deonte Banks
From Maryland, Deonte Banks is one of most self-confident players in the 2023 NFL Draft. He is a cornerback who will match his chatter to wide receivers across with ball-hawk skills. Banks is tenacious in the secondary and will slam opponents into the turf. There is nothing that can hold him back, and the New York Giants 2023 NFL Draft class will have a special player in Banks. Their defence immediately improved and added a shutdown corner that will help them against top NFC East quarterbacks. Offences will have to look to the opposite side of the field to find open room on the New York defence.
The Head-Scratcher: Tre Hawkins III
Tre Hawkins is not a bad pick in the sixth round. He has precise fundamentals and is a rather good fit for the New York Giants 2023 NFL Draft class. However, there is much lacking in Hawkins cornerback play once he leaves man-coverage assignments. He simply may not be the best solution for the Giants and will need to improve his versatility to be anything more than a special teams player. Having already drafted Banks, the Giants might have looked for another safety (whom they took at 254th overall) or linebacker in the sixth round. However, Hawkins does have skills to add to the Giants defence and will, at least, fight for a roster spot.
The Surprise: Eric Gray
Having just resigned Saquon Barkley, it is a touch surprising to see a fifth-round pick used on a running back. However, the Giants do need depth behind Barkley, and a 5’10”, elusive back might do the trick. He is indeed a pleasant surprise for Giants fans. Gray is scatback who can fit into multiple roles on any offense, and will immediately have a slot for the Giants. He had an impressive 6.4 yards per carry in 2022 and averaged 113.8 yards per game. He is a small back and will not be an every down runner; but the Giants do not need him to be such a player, and he should fit nicely into the Giants offence.
The Steal: John Michael Schmitz
NFL teams leaving John Michael Schimtz on boards at selection 57 is an absolute surprise, and the Giants getting him there is a certified steal. He took more than 2,500 snaps at centre for Minnesota and should become a day-one starter. Schimtz has every skill needed to lead an offensive line, dominate defensive linemen, and make a Pro-Bowl his rookie year. If a team took a centre this ready for the NFL in round one, no one would complain. Instead, the Giants found a future anchor at pick 57.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Training Camp: Jalin Hyatt
Jalin Hyatt runs a 4.4’ 40-yard dash and might be even faster. He will simply outrun defenders and add a consistent deep-threat wide receiver to the New York Giants squad. Giants coaches need to help him improve some fundamentals and his route-running. However, all his weaknesses are coachable. Hyatt could easily turn into a number-two receiver by year-three and turn into a productive connection for Daniel Jones.
The Rest
At selection 243, Jordon Riley comes to the New York Giants 2023 NFL Draft class as a massive lad (6’5”, 325 lbs). He is the definitive picture of a pure nose tackle and is likely to be a late-rounder who makes their respective squad. Naturally, Riley is a bit limited in his versatility. However, on running-downs and in goal line situations, Riley can become a fundamental part of the Giants go-to defence.
Meanwhile Gervarrius Owens is another top late-round safety who has all the fundamentals, but is missing some of the NFL productivity and traits. There is some level of surprise he fell to selection 254 due to his intangibles. He could become more than a special teams player for the Giants if he matches top-level safety power with the needed tackling burst.
As a post-draft note, the New York Giants have signed Habakukk Baldonado (Defensive End, Pitt) as an undrafted free-agent.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
