By Michael Stewart @TheTruthNYG
This will be part 6 in a series of six articles covering the 2023 NFL prospects. The New York Giants will certainly be in the market for some help in the secondary at both the cornerback and the safety positions. The 2023 secondary class is loaded, especially at the cornerback position where we could see as much as six taken in round 1 and possibly twenty taken in the first two days of the draft. Let’s take a look at my top 5 prospects at each position.
- Devon Witherspoon (Illinois) 6’2/195: Witherspoon has blazing speed (4.39) to go along with good body length to cover any receiver either on the outside or in the slot. Witherspoon can also play equally well in man or zone coverage. Projected top 15.
- Christian Gonzalez (Oregon) 6’2/205: Gonzalez has good size, length and speed (4.32) to start on Day 1 in the NFL. Gonzalez is excellent in both man and zone coverage and tracks to the ball well. Projected Top 15.
- Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State) 6’2/195: Porter is equally efficient in man or zone coverage and is a sound tackler. Porter has quick feet and mirrors opposing receivers well. Projected Mid Round 1.
- Kelee Ringo (Georgia) 6’2/205: Ringo has elite athletic skills with the ability to change direction quickly and move than enough closer speed to make plays anywhere on the field. Projected Late Round 1.
- Cam Smith (South Carolina) 6’0/195: Smith displays excellent closing speed and has a high football IQ. Smith has the length and speed to be a starter at the NFL level. Projected Late Round 1
Safeties
- Brian Branch (Alabama) 6’0/205: Branch excels in zone coverage and plays a physical game. Branch can line up in the box and be employed in blitzes packages and is an excellent tackler. Projected Mid Round 1.
- Antonio Johnston (Texas A&M) 6’2/205: Johnston has excellent ball skills and tracks the ball well. Johnston plays a physical game by utilizing his size. Projected Late Round 1.
- Jordan Battle (Alabama) 6’1/206: Jordan plays very physical and is often utilize in the box in a linebacker role. Jordan reads and anticipates well and has enough speed to recover or make big plays. Projected Late Round 1.
- Sydney Brown (Illinois) 6’0/213: Brown is a sound tackler and has great awareness on the field. Brown is comfortable in both zone coverage or in the box and will often blitzes on occasion. Projected Late Round 2.
- JL Skinner (Boise State) 6’4/211: Skinner plays physical and is a sound tackler and will often be used in the box as well. Skinner has enough speed and fluidity to cover slot receivers at times. Projected Round 3.
GM Joe Schoen could possibly add three prospects in the secondary through the draft and with the depth at these two positions, the Giants should walk away with prospects who should contribute in 2023. GM Joe Schoen could also look for more depth at each position in free agency, but don’t expect a top tier signing. Keep an eye out for my next article as I bring you my top 5 sleepers on offense and defense. Also, tune into to TheGiantsGuys draft show this Thursday, at 8pm On YouTube.