New CBS Mock NFL Draft has NY Giants going with stud Alabama CB in first round
Despite the 2023 NFL Draft still being more than five months away, that doesn’t mean that football fans across the country aren’t already drooling at the idea of college playmakers suiting up for their team. There’s going to be a lot of pressure on NY Giants general manager Joe Schoen to make the right call with his first-round pick.
Thanks to Daniel Jones playing so well under Brian Daboll, it’s looking like Danny Dimes has played his way to an extended stay in East Rutherford. If that’s the case, then Schoen will surely focus on a different position for his top pick come next April.
How about a standout cornerback from an SEC powerhouse? In its latest ’23 NFL Mock Draft, CBS Sports has Schoen and Co. going with Alabama defensive back Eli Ricks with the No. 19 overall selection.
NY Giants drafting Eli Ricks would be a great move by Joe Schoen
Despite players like Adoree’ Jackson and Fabian Moreau stepping up for the CBs room, the unit is still in major need of another playmaker. Enter Ricks. The 6-2, 190-pounder has had to earn his stripes for Alabama this season, but it looks like he really could be a strong fit for Wink Martindale at MetLife Stadium.
Ricks, an LSU transfer, just recorded his first start of the campaign last week going up against Mississippi State. Ricks was incredible in that showdown, really limiting the Mike Leach-led offense. Ricks was targeted 10 times in that meeting with the Bulldogs, giving up just one catch for nine yards.
Nick Saban gave him a glowing review, and now Ricks is set to start his second game of the year this Saturday, this time going up his former team in LSU. While Ricks has only seen limited action in 2022, the potential is there. Don’t let the small sample size fool you – this kid is a star and he has what it takes to be a baller at the next level.
This is why CBS has him going in the Top 20 to the G-Men. If Jones indeed is back under center next year, then Schoen will look to address the secondary early on in the draft. Don’t be surprised to hear Ricks’ name called when Big Blue is on the clock.
