The New York Giants will have a total of 10 picks in the upcoming 2023 NFL draft with their first pick being the 25th overall in round 1. In this mock draft, there’ll be no trades although it’s very possible Joe Schoen could trade up or back in any round. So with that in mind here’s my first edition mock draft for the New York Giants:
Round 1(#25): Deonte Banks (CB) Maryland-6’1/195: This pick can go in several directions depending on how the board develops. My belief is that the BPA/Need concept will mesh better at the cornerback position over any other position available with pick #25
Round 2 (#57): Luke Wypler (C) Ohio State-6’3/305: Joe Schoen passes on two centers in Michael-Schmitz in RD1 and then Steve Avila in RD2 to select the steady and plug/play center out of Ohio State in Luke Wypler.
Round 3(#89): Bryce Ford-Wheaton (WR) West Virginia-6’3/221: Ford-Wheaton has good size along with top flight speed (4.38) to develop into a lethal vertical threat in the NFL. Ford-Wheaton has soft and reliable hands with a wide catch radius and runs precise routes.
Round 4(#128): YaYa Diaby (DE/EDGE) Louisville-6’3/263: Diaby is extremely athletic as he recorded 9 sacks for Louisville and also was stout against the run. Diaby high motor and endless pursuit makes him an appealing selection to the Giants defensive front 7.
Round 5 (#160): Ronnie Hickman (Safety) Ohio State-6’0/203: Hickman can play both man press and zone coverage well. Hickman is also comfortable against the run and has the speed to handle Tight Ends and also be utilized in blitzes packages.
Round 5 (#172-Compensatory Pick): Cam Jones (ILB) Indiana-6’3/228: Jones his he ability to blitzes from the inside and also play well in pass coverage. Jones is a solid tackler with great closing speed and would also add his talents on special teams.
Round 6 (#209): Clayton Tune (QB) Houston-6’2/220: Tune is a proto-type pocket passer in a highly productive offensive system at Houston but can use his legs if needed. Tune has great pocket presence and a strong enough arm to succeed in the NFL.
Round 7 (#240): Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB) Kentucky-6’0/217: With Barkley and Breida signed for the 2023 season. The Giants could use a banger to eat up the tough yards on short down situations to keep the wear and tear away from Barkley. Rodriguez has a high ratio in yardage after first contact and should be a solid option as the 3rd back for the Giants.
Round 7 (#243): Starling Thomas (CB) UAB-6’0/195: Thomas has long arms and excels as a press corner by utilizing his size, athleticism and ball skills. Thomas could be the fastest player among all secondary prospects and perhaps in the entire draft with a 4.30 40-yard dash time.
Round 7 (#254-Compensatory Pick): Trevor Reid (OT) Louisville-6’5/311: Reid is raw, but there’s lots of room for improvement. Reid ranked #22 on the NFL freaks list with his 4.85 forty yard speed, vertical jump of 34.5 and broad-jump over 9.5 feet. Reid is a developmental prospect and can be a low risk and high reward player for the Giants.
Every draft we see many surprises, especially in the early rounds and I expect this draft to be no different. GM Joe Schoen with a full season under his belt should have a firm grip on what he wants the team to look like over the next several seasons in terms of his roster. Schoen often refers to the “team culture” and the type of prospects he coverts to fit that mold. Although last year’s class is still a bit too early to give a final grade on as the injury hit all but Micah McFadden in 2022. Let’s hope with the new turf being installed that the 2023 season will be better. Keep an eye out for my final mock draft and see if I make any changes.