Giants 2023 Draft Analysis: Favorite Picks, Best Value, and Surprising Selections

The 2023 NFL Draft has concluded, and the New York Giants have added an exciting group of new players to their roster. Let's take an in-depth look at the Giants' draft class, analyzing the favorite picks, best value selections, and most surprising choices.

Favorite Pick: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

While there were several strong contenders for the Giants' best pick, cornerback Deonte Banks out of Maryland stands out as a fan favorite. Selected 24th overall in the first round, Banks addresses a significant need in the Giants' secondary and brings a combination of size, speed, and physicality to the position.

At 6'0" and 197 pounds, Banks possesses the ideal frame for an NFL cornerback. He ran a blazing 4.35 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, showcasing the elite speed necessary to keep up with top receivers at the pro level. Banks' aggressive playing style and willingness to get physical in press coverage make him a perfect fit for Wink Martindale's defense.

What makes Banks such an appealing pick is his potential to make an immediate impact as a rookie. With the departure of James Bradberry last offseason, the Giants have been searching for a true lockdown corner to pair with Adoree' Jackson. Banks has the talent and skill set to step in and compete for a starting role from day one.

Giants fans should be excited about Banks' ball skills and playmaking ability. He recorded two interceptions and eight passes defended in his final season at Maryland, demonstrating his knack for making plays on the ball. His combination of athleticism and instincts should translate well to the NFL level.

Best Value Pick: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

When it comes to value, the Giants may have struck gold with their third-round selection of wide receiver Jalin Hyatt out of Tennessee. Many draft analysts projected Hyatt as a potential late first or early second-round pick, making his availability at pick 73 a pleasant surprise for the Giants.

Hyatt's college production speaks for itself. In his breakout 2022 season, he caught 67 passes for 1,267 yards and an impressive 15 touchdowns. His game-breaking speed was on full display throughout the year, as he consistently burned defenders for long touchdowns.

At the NFL Combine, Hyatt solidified his status as one of the draft's premier deep threats by running a 4.40 40-yard dash. His elite speed and ability to stretch the field vertically will add a new dimension to the Giants' offense, which lacked a true deep threat last season.

What makes Hyatt such a valuable pick is his potential to outperform his draft position. While he may need some time to develop a more complete route tree and adjust to NFL-level press coverage, his game-changing speed and big-play ability could make an immediate impact in specific packages.

The Giants' receiving corps has been a weakness in recent years, and Hyatt has the potential to develop into a dynamic weapon for quarterback Daniel Jones. His ability to take the top off the defense should also create more opportunities for players like Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton underneath.

Most Surprising Pick: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

While the Giants' selection of center John Michael Schmitz in the second round (57th overall) wasn't necessarily a reach, it came as a surprise to many fans and analysts who expected the team to address other positions of need.

Schmitz was widely regarded as the top center prospect in the draft, but the Giants' decision to invest such a high pick in the position raised some eyebrows. However, upon closer examination, this pick makes a lot of sense for the team's long-term plans.

The Giants' offensive line has been a weakness for several years, and solidifying the center position with a top prospect like Schmitz could have a ripple effect across the entire unit. Schmitz is known for his intelligence, leadership, and ability to make pre-snap adjustments, which should help improve the line's overall communication and performance.

At 6'3" and 301 pounds, Schmitz has the size and strength to hold up against NFL defensive tackles. He's a powerful run blocker who excels at creating movement at the point of attack, which should benefit Saquon Barkley and the Giants' ground game.

While some fans may have preferred to see the Giants address other positions like linebacker or safety in the second round, the selection of Schmitz demonstrates a commitment to building a strong foundation in the trenches. His presence should help stabilize the offensive line and provide Daniel Jones with improved protection up the middle.

Other Notable Picks

Tre Hawkins III, CB, Old Dominion (6th Round, 209th Overall)

The Giants doubled down on cornerback by selecting Tre Hawkins III in the sixth round. While Hawkins comes from a smaller school program, he possesses intriguing physical traits that make him an interesting developmental prospect.

At 6'2" and 195 pounds, Hawkins has excellent size for the position. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at his pro day, showcasing the speed necessary to keep up with NFL receivers. While he may need time to adjust to the level of competition in the pros, Hawkins has the potential to develop into a solid depth piece in the secondary and contribute on special teams.

Eric Gray, RB, Oklahoma (5th Round, 172nd Overall)

With Saquon Barkley's long-term future with the team uncertain, the Giants added some depth to their backfield by selecting Eric Gray in the fifth round. Gray is a versatile back who excels in the passing game, catching 33 passes for 229 yards in his final season at Oklahoma.

Gray's ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver makes him an intriguing option in Brian Daboll's offense. While he may not have the explosiveness of Barkley, Gray's well-rounded skill set could allow him to carve out a role as a change-of-pace back and third-down option.

Jordon Riley, DT, Oregon (7th Round, 243rd Overall)

The Giants added some depth to their defensive line with the selection of Jordon Riley in the seventh round. At 6'5" and 338 pounds, Riley is a massive interior presence who could develop into a solid run-stuffer at the next level.

While Riley may be a project, his size and strength make him an intriguing developmental prospect. If he can improve his technique and consistency, he could provide valuable depth along the defensive line and potentially contribute in short-yardage situations.

Conclusion

The New York Giants' 2023 draft class addresses several key needs while also adding depth and potential to the roster. The selection of Deonte Banks in the first round gives the team a potential lockdown corner, while the value pick of Jalin Hyatt in the third round adds a much-needed deep threat to the offense.

While some picks may have been surprising, such as center John Michael Schmitz in the second round, the overall strategy of building through the trenches and adding playmakers on both sides of the ball should benefit the team in both the short and long term.

As with any draft class, the true impact of these selections won't be known for several years. However, on paper, the Giants appear to have added a solid group of players who have the potential to contribute and help the team take the next step in their rebuilding process.

Fans should be excited about the infusion of talent and the potential for immediate contributions from several of these rookies. With a mix of high-ceiling prospects and solid depth pieces, the Giants' 2023 draft class has the potential to shape the future of the franchise for years to come.

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