As we approach Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, the New York Giants still have holes on the roster to fill. They have committed to quarterback Daniel Jones for the long term, rewarding him with a generous contract this offseason. The future of Saquon Barkley is still in question as he awaits a long-term deal. Not having him in the fold could be a massive issue as they hope to return to the postseason.
New York Giants Team Needs Following Round 1
- S
- C
- G
- WR
The Giants need to add playmakers to their offense. Their wide receiver room overachieved last year. There is no bona fide No. 1 guy that Jones can rely on down to down. Giving Jones the contract they did means they have to ensure they get a return on that investment. The best way to do that is to create an environment for him to be as successful as possible, similar to what the Miami Dolphins did for Tua Tagovailoa. They also need to sure up the offensive line.
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The defense has some elite pieces in Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence. However, the secondary is a sore spot. New York addressed corner but needs an upgrade at safety still. Safety depth in this draft isn’t great, but there are some talented corners available through the middle rounds of the draft.
Results for Giants 2023 Draft Picks
Round 1, Pick 24 (From JAX): Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
New York’s top need was a corner, and they wasted no time addressing it by grabbing someone they clearly had their eye on in Maryland CB Deonte Banks. GM Joe Schoen moved from No. 25 to 24, trading up one spot with Jacksonville to take the last remaining cornerback Schoen was considering in the first round.
To move up one spot, the Giants sent one of their two fifth-round picks (No. 160 overall) and one of their three seventh-round picks (No. 240 overall) to the Jaguars.
Banks is a physical corner who loves to play press but has the hip fluidity and acceleration (4.38 40-yard dash) to stay in phase with nearly any receiver. At 6’0″, 197 pounds, Banks has more than enough size and plays with an aggressive mindset that Giants fans will love. He has the traits to be the CB1 in the first part of the season.
Predictions and Top Targets for Every Giants Draft Pick
The trade between the Bears and the Panthers shook up the NFL Draft order. The New York Giants could be the beneficiaries if we see further moves that could push better talent down to them to help them fill their overall team needs. Using PFN’s free Mock Draft Simulator, here is how I would fill those needs for New York.
2.26 | John Michael Schmitz, C
The Giants have a desperate need at center, and John Michael Schmitz is a Day 1 starter at the position. He may be the best center available in this draft and plays with great power and excellent agility in tight spaces.
3.26 | JL Skinner, S
JL Skinner fills a need for the Giants’ secondary and was the best player available. He has great size, but more importantly, he brings great intellect to the position. He can serve as the quarterback of the secondary.
4.26 | Ricky Stromberg, C
Ricky Stromberg is a center, however, he has starting experience at both guard spots, and his skill set allows him to move over naturally. He has great power and pass sets with a wide base. Having him and JMS on the interior could provide a huge lift for the offensive line.
5.25 | Jakorian Bennett, CB
Jakorian Bennett brings elite athleticism to the position and flashes excellent instincts and traits on film.
MORE: New York Giants 2023 NFL Draft Picks
He can be a bit inconsistent in his technique but could eventually develop into a solid starter for the secondary.
5.37 | Trey Dean III, S
I like this pick for the Giants this deep into the draft. Trey Dean III is listed as a safety but can play anywhere in the secondary. He is not the guy you want quarterbacking the back end of your defense, but he has the raw talent to perform in the right role.
6.32 | Max Duggan, QB
This late in the draft, adding a developmental project like Max Duggan could be a great hedge against injury to Daniel Jones while developing an asset for down the road. Duggan was a Heisman finalist and is a great locker-room presence.
7.24 | Evan Hull, RB
This is in no way a Barkley replacement pick. Evan Hull does possess elite athleticism for the position and could be a great young player to develop over time to spell Barkley.