2023 NFL Draft: A Closer Look At New York Giants Picks

The recently concluded 2023 NFL draft in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, witnessed the New York Giants making their selections. Here is a breakdown of each pick, accompanied by an analysis:

Round 1, Pick 24 Overall: Deonte Banks, Cornerback (CB), Maryland

My take: The Giants made a peculiar move by trading up just one spot to secure Banks.

General Manager Joe Schoen stated that their decision was influenced by their awareness of other teams’ needs and potential scenarios, and they did not want to take any chances.

Hence, they utilized their additional resources to acquire the most talented cornerback in the draft.

Banks is an excellent fit for Wink Martindale’s defensive scheme and fills a crucial position of need.

He possesses the potential to develop into a top-tier cornerback, as evidenced by his lockdown performance in the Ohio State game, as noted by one coach who closely studied Banks.

Will he start as a rookie?: The opportunity is certainly present. Assuming Adoree’ Jackson is healthy; he will start on one side.

However, Banks can compete with Cor’Dale Flott, Aaron Robinson, Nick McCloud, and Amani Oruwariye for the starting spot opposite Jackson.

As a first-round pick, Banks stands a strong chance to secure the starting job within that group.

Key stat: Banks achieved an outstanding 9.99 out of 10 on the Relative Athletic Score (RAS).

This impressive score is attributed to his 4.35-second 40-yard dash, 42-inch vertical leap, and 11’4″ broad jump.

Schoen describes him as a “prototype” in terms of size.

Round 2, Pick 57 Overall: John Michael Schmitz, Center (C), Minnesota

My take: This selection fulfils the desires of many Giants fans who were hoping to acquire Schmitz, even potentially in the first round.

Getting the top-ranked center at the 57th overall pick represents good value. Schmitz is now the leading contender to start at center for the Giants.

He will face competition from natural guards Ben Bredeson, Jack Anderson, and Shane Lemieux.

Interestingly, the New York Jets, their crosstown rivals, selected the first center of the draft, Joe Tippmann from Ohio State, earlier in the second round.

Fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on which team secured the superior player over the course of their careers.

Insights on Schmitz: One offensive line coach likened Schmitz to a slightly less accomplished version of Kansas City’s Pro Bowler, Creed Humphrey.

While not exceptionally fast, Schmitz compensates with his strength and difficult-to-beat wrestling leverage.

The Giants displayed significant interest in Schmitz throughout the draft process.

Offensive line coach Bobby Johnson attended his Pro Day and had dinner with the center in Minnesota prior to his workout.

Round 3, Pick 73 overall: Jalin Hyatt, Wide Receiver (WR), Tennessee

My take: The Giants once again secured good value with this pick.

Hyatt ranked 44th on Mel Kiper Jr.’s final big board and 26th on Matt Miller’s ranking, adding a dimension of speed to the team.

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Schoen noted that Hyatt’s speed is evident when watching him on tape.

The Giants have been actively improving their speed and explosiveness in the receiving corps during the offseason.

Last season, they recorded the fewest 20-plus yard receptions (28) in the league.

In addition to Hyatt, the team has acquired tight end Darren Waller through trade and signed Parris Campbell in free agency.

Key stat: As the recipient of the Biletnikoff Award, Hyatt made 14 catches on passes thrown 20-plus yards last season.

Impressively, eight of those catches resulted in touchdowns, the second-highest in the FBS.

His eight touchdowns on vertical routes averaged 50.6 yards per reception.

Hyatt also recorded the most catches of 50-plus yards in the FBS, showcasing his explosive deep-threat capabilities that the Giants haven’t had since the days of Odell Beckham Jr.

Round 5, Pick 172 Overall: Eric Gray, Running Back (RB), Oklahoma

My take: Selecting a mid-round running back was always on the Giants’ radar.

They extensively evaluated players in that range, and Gray was consistently among their potential targets. His availability at the 172nd pick came as a surprise.

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Gray, a transfer from Tennessee who finished his college career at Oklahoma, brings versatility as a solid pass-catcher and a skilled one-cut runner.

This pick adds depth to a position that currently faces uncertainty with Saquon Barkley’s absence from the offseason program due to his franchise tag situation.

Round 6, Pick 209 Overall: Tre Hawkins III, Cornerback (CB), Old Dominion

My take: The Giants bolstered their secondary with this pick. Hawkins becomes the second cornerback taken by the team after the first-round selection of Deonte Banks.

Hawkins combines size and speed, reportedly running in the 4.4-second range and measuring 6-foot-1 and 188 pounds at his Pro Day.

He also possesses playmaking abilities, demonstrated by his two interceptions, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and a blocked kick in his final college season.

Hawkins appears to be a developmental player added to the mix at a premium position.

Round 7, Pick 243 Overall: Jordon Riley, Defensive Tackle (DT), Oregon

My take: Standing tall at 6-foot-5 and weighing 325 pounds, Riley is a stout run stuffer.

The Giants made it a priority to improve their run defense during the offseason, and this selection adds depth to their defensive line interior.

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Riley started all 13 games for Oregon last season, recording 21 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and half a sack.

Round 7, Pick 254 overall: Gervarrius Owens, Safety (S), Houston

My take: Owens is another depth addition to the Giants’ secondary. He possesses the smart, tough, and dependable qualities sought by Coach Brian Daboll.

Owens, a team captain at Houston, started 12 games at free safety, compiling 74 tackles and eight pass breakups, which demonstrate his contribution to the team.

As the New York Giants conclude their 2023 NFL draft, they have strategically addressed various positions, adding talent, depth, and speed to their roster.

The selections of Deonte Banks, John Michael Schmitz, Jalin Hyatt, Eric Gray, Tre Hawkins III, Jordon Riley, and Gervarrius Owens bring optimism and anticipation for the upcoming season.

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