The NFC, overall, is in a bit of a mixed, weaker state than the highly competitive AFC. With the Kansas City Chiefs coming off another Super Bowl victory, there is a clear hierarchy in the AFC. In the NFC, there is an open door for one or two bounces of the football to put almost any of the top teams into the Super Bowl. The New York Giants have many detractors, many focused on the signing of Daniel Jones as a ‘subpar’ franchise quarterback. However, what Jones and the Football Giants might need is a thrilling NFL draft. And there might be no general manager in the NFC more thrilled about the NFL Draft than Joe Schoen.
Joe Schoen “Thrilled” by New York Giants 2023 NFL Draft
The New York Giants drafted a player in every round less the fourth, selecting seven players overall. As previously covered, the Giants deserve a strong nine-out-of-ten rating for their NFL Draft. Every player in the top five rounds has a chance to make an impact this season. At a press conference Joe Schoen commented, “As you go through the entire draft, usually the first round goes as planned, the group of players you think are going to go. But I’m thrilled with those guys, and I’m thrilled with some of the prospects we got [Saturday].”
One of the chief reasons for Schoen’s excitement is that he found immediate help at cornerback (Deonte Banks), interior offensive line (John Michael Schmitz), and wide receiver (Jalin Hyatt). Although Eric Gray is a fifth-round running back, he is likely to offer a break for Saquon Barkley.
Last season the Giants made it to the Divisional Round. This was a remarkable accomplishment for a team lingering in the doldrums of boring NFL play. That game, however, resulted in a 7-38 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Giants had to find a way to get closer to the Eagles. Upgrading their defence with Banks should help them get a few inches closer. Schmitz also upgrades an otherwise bleak offensive line that hurt Jones’ early development.
Improving Daniel Jones
Although the Giants 2023 draft focused on defence (four of seven draftees), they got three players who will offer immediate support to Daniel Jones. Jalin Hyatt runs a 4.4’ 40-yard dash and possess legitimate deep-threat ability. Jones and Hyatt will connect on several key passes that help put the Giants into the red zone.
Meanwhile, Schmitz will help keep Jones upright and away from tenacious Eagles pass rushers. Although not as great of a pass-protector, Gray adds immediate value for Barkley and Jones in his pass-reception game. Gray is the type of running back who can come in on any down. Time will develop him into a potential red-zone threat running back, but for now, he can help catch swing passes. Players like Gray are critical for Jones to check-down to. As improved as Jones is, he still needs a level of protection and ease to cover some of his less-refined attributes.
Hence, Joe Schoen should be thrilled about the New York Giants draft class. He acquired top-level talent at three positions, a good running back with potential to fit the scheme, and three decent developmental defenders. The Giants may not have the best draft class. They also need a lucky bounce still to take the NFC East from Philadelphia. However, this is an exciting moment as they look forward to bright things from the 2023 NFL Draft class in years ahead.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
