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5 first-rounders the NY Giants should consider who won’t replace Daniel Jones

By Desmond Novack

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 30: Linebacker Trenton Simpson #22 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a defensive play against the Florida State Seminoles during the first quarter during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 30: Linebacker Trenton Simpson #22 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a defensive play against the Florida State Seminoles during the first quarter during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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The NY Giants have surprised plenty of people with their 6-2 start, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement for the roster. That’s why so many people are already thinking about the 2023 NFL Draft, as there will be pressure on Joe Schoen to make the right call.

Obviously it is still extremely early in the draft process, so it is difficult to tell not only where the Giants will end up in the draft order, but how some of these players will pan out. Despite this, it is always fun to do some early scouting for what’s to come.

The NY Giants biggest positions of need this season, in our opinion, are linebackers, corners and receivers. Schoen and the front office will do their due diligence to make sure the team drafts the proper players. With that being said, here are five potential first round prospects the NY Giants could target in the 2023 NFL Draft.

5. Alabama CB Brian Branch

Throughout eight games, one of the biggest issues on the Giants defense has been their lack of depth at corner. Players like Fabian Moreau have stepped in and performed tremendously, but the Giants need more than just him and Adoree’ Jackson.

With that in mind, the Giants are going to need to target some defensive backs in this year’s draft class, which makes it even better that the 2023 NFL Draft is home to plenty of extremely talented corners, especially Brian Branch out of Alabama.

Coming in at 6-0, 193 pounds, Branch possesses a rare combination of speed, size, and athleticism at corner that the Giants could really use in the secondary. In addition to this, Branch is an incredibly elite tackler, racking up 45 combined tackles while only missing one in eight games.

Branch projects to be a slot corner in the NFL, as that is where he has played the most during his college career. This could make things tricky on the Giants end, as they already have some traditional slot corners in Aaron Robinson and Cor’Dale Flott.

In eight games played, Branch has only allowed 16 receptions on 28 targets for 98 yards and one TD, forcing five incompletions in the process. Branch already has all of the tools to project as a great starter in the NFL – if he can learn to be more composed and efficient with his technique, he could become a superstar.

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