With the 2023 NFL Combine coming to a close, several players altered their draft stock in a big way. For an NY Giants front office that is set to have 11 total selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, this Combine could prove be key in how they retool the roster.
The big news this week has been the Giants inking Daniel Jones to his monster four-year contract. With that said, general manager Joe Schoen is only getting started with his moves to help this roster take the next step. So, how will Schoen help the squad out on both sides of the ball in the draft? Without further ado, we dive right in:
NY Giants Round 1 Pick: Maryland CB Deonte Banks
Following a strong showing at the NFL Combine, Maryland’s Deonte Banks may have cemented himself as one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s draft class. Banks was explosive at the Combine. In the 40-yard dash, he posted a time of 4.35, while recording a 42-inch vertical leap. In terms of his size, he is also built like the modern cornerback. At 6-0 and 197 pounds, he should be able to keep up with whoever he lines up against.
During his four seasons at Maryland, Banks showed legitimate potential. Over this time, he recorded 83 total tackles, 61 solo tackles, two interceptions and 11 defended passes. For Banks, the best football of his collegiate career came in 2022. In his final season, he appeared dominant.
Over 12 games he recorded 38 total tackles, 25 solo tackles, one interception, and eight defended passes. Banks looks to be an immediate starter at the cornerback position. His addition would give the Giants a necessary upgrade at the position.
It’s no secret that the Giants need some help in the secondary. At the same time people are hoping that they land a WR1 for the future in the first round as well. However, if Banks is still there for the taking, then Schoen may have no choice but to rock with him at No. 25 overall.
NY Giants Round 2 Pick: North Carolina WR Josh Downs
With a strong outing at the Combine, North Carolina’s Josh Downs may have been the biggest riser at the wide receiver position. But in a deep 2023 class, and with several free-agent wide receivers set to hit the market, he could potentially be available in round two. If he is still on the board at pick No. 57, this should be the easiest pick that the Giants make.
Downs put on a strong showing at the combine. In the 40-yard dash, he posted a time of 4.48, while recording a 38.5-inch vertical jump. Coming in at 5-9 and 171 pounds, Downs isn’t the biggest pass-catcher, but this has not stopped him from being productive. Over his 28 collegiate games, he recorded 202 receptions for 2,483 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns.
In his freshman season, Downs appeared in just four games but recorded seven receptions for 119 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Through his last two seasons, Downs posted 1,000-plus receiving yards and over 90 receptions in each campaign.
Downs would be an immediate weapon in the Giants offense. With his arrival, this group would gain a much-needed weapon through the air. It’d also be a nice new addition for Danny Dimes.
NY Giants Round 3 Pick: Tulane LB Dorian Williams
The Giants linebacker room is in need of an upgrade. During the 2022 campaign, the team was forced to rely heavily on players that they signed during the season. In turn, they could look to address this position in a big way in the coming weeks. Through free agency, they could have their sights on several high-profile players. But they could also use the draft to fortify the room. Adding Tulane’s Dorian Williams in the third round at No. 89 overall would do just that.
Williams shined while at the Combine. The explosive linebacker ran a 4.49 40-yard dash, which was the fourth fastest of all linebackers. During his time at Tulane, Williams proved to be one of the most active linebackers in the nation. Over four seasons, and 43 total games, he recorded 195 solo tackles, 316 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 9.5 total sacks, 13 defended passes, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
Williams has developed into a reliable option against the pass. According to PFF, he allowed just 161 receiving yards in 2022. In addition, he has been strong against the run. If the Giants are looking to upgrade the position, adding Williams would be a wise move.
NY Giants Round 3 Pick: Iowa CB Riley Moss
Iowa cornerback Riley Moss, like many of the other cornerbacks in this year’s class, saw his stock rise significantly at the Combine. Along with running a 4.45 40-yard dash, Moss recorded a 39-vertical jump.
During his time at Iowa, many questioned Moss’s speed, and overall ability to keep up with opposing players. Based on what he showcased at the Combine, he has the skill set to keep up with nearly anyone that he lines up against him. Over his five collegiate seasons, Moss developed into a key member of the Hawkeyes defense. In total, he recorded 158 tackles, five tackles for loss, 26 defended passes, and 11 interceptions.
With the Giants adding Banks in the first round, the addition of Moss would fortify this cornerback room. These two players, alongside Adoree’ Jackson and Cor’Dale Flott could help take this group to the next level. Look for Moss to head to NY with the No. 102 overall selection.
NY Giants Round 4 Pick: Auburn RB Tank Bigsby
Auburn’s Tank Bigsby could very well be the most underrated running back out of this year’s class. With Saquon Barkley getting franchised tagged, the Giants could look to add a potential RB1 for the future to the backfield. Bigsby could be just that – but he’d also be a great back-up option for 2023 as well.
During the Combine, Bigsby flashed serious talent. Both in on-field workouts and with measurables, he looks primed to make an impact from Day 1. In three seasons at Auburn, Bigsby was consistently the go-to option out of the backfield. Over 35 career games, he rushed for 2,903 yards and 25 touchdowns on 540 carries. Through the air, he added 62 receptions for 448 receiving yards.
Bigsby has a playing style that would fit directly into this Giants offense. With his ability to run through defenders on the ground, while also solidifying himself as a pass-catcher, he could play a key role. He could also be a reliable security blanket in case Barkley does in fact depart after the 2023 season. We like Bigsby to NY with the No. 128 overall pick.
NY Giants Round 5 Pick: Texas DT Moro Ojomo
Schoen has already made it clear that heading into the offseason, the Giants must address the interior of the defensive line. While Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams are securing the middle, there is a lack of depth. In a loaded class at the position, the Giants could have their pick of playmakers in the later rounds. This includes Texas defensive tackle Moro Ojomo.
Ojomo tested well at the Combine and appears set to make an instant impact in the NFL. In terms of size, he measured in at 6-3 and 292 pounds. Ojomo also tested well. He posted a 5.04 40-yard dash and a 33-inch vertical jump. He also recorded 29 reps on the bench press, the third most of any defensive tackle.
Ojomo has proven to be a force on the interior. Through 42 collegiate games, he recorded 95 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks. If the Giants want to add depth to their defensive line, Ojomo could be an intriguing prospect. If he’s there at No. 162 overall in the fifth round, we say go with him.
NY Giants Round 6 Pick: Florida S Trey Dean III
The safety position could be an area that the Giants look to address, even if they can re-sign Julian Love. But with many other needs, it could fall further down their list. While at Florida, safety Troy Dean III showed potential, but a somewhat rough Combine outing, including a 4.75 40-yard dash, could lead to him slipping down draft boards.
If the Giants are focused solely on what Dean did on the field while in college, he could still be a player on their radar. With experience both in the secondary, and in the box, he has proven that he can be versatile, and this has been shown on the stat sheet. In total, Dean recorded 255 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 18 defended passes, and four interceptions over 57 collegiate appearances. Adding a player of Dean’s caliber could be worth the risk at No. 209 overall. With his potential, he could develop into a strong player in this defense.
NY Giants Round 6 Pick: USC OL Andrew Vorhees
Unfortunately for USC’s Andrew Vorhees, the rising offensive guard suffered a torn ACL at the combine. But with this bad news, Vorhees still managed to make an impact. Vorhees suffered a torn ACL on Sunday while participating in on-field drills. Just one day later, with his leg in a brace and on crutches, the USC guard took to the bench press and proceeded to record 38 reps, the most of any player in this year’s class.
During his time at USC, Vorhees looked to be one of the most dominant interior offensive linemen in the nation. Along with this, he also has experience at the tackle position. In 2022, while taking the field for 720 offensive snaps, Vorhees allowed a total of 12 hurries, one quarterback hit, and two total sacks according to PFF.
Due to his injury, Vorhees will likely drop down draft boards. By adding Vorhees, the Giants would be gaining a potential star on the interior. If they are willing to allow him to return to full force, he could become a key starter within this group. With both Marcus McKethan and Joshua Ezeudu, two interior offensive linemen that the Giants added in the 2022 NFL Draft, both set to return to the field in 2023, the Giants could afford to wait for Vorhees to return to the field when he is healthy a year later. We like him at No. 218 overall.
NY Giants Round Pick 7: Florida OT Richard Gouraige
With his experience along the offensive line, Florida’s Richard Gouraige could be a fit for the Giants at No. 242. Over the past three seasons, he spent time at both the tackle and guard positions, playing well in both areas.
In 2022, Gouraige played the best football of his career. With 649 snaps at left tackle, he allowed 12 quarterback hurries, one quarterback hit, and one sack according to PFF. With his experience, Gouraige could be a key depth piece for the Giants offensive front. He could not only play behind Andrew Thomas, but could also kick inside to guard if necessary.
NY Giants Round 7 Pick: WVU DL Dante Stills
West Virginia’s defensive lineman Dante Stills put on a strong showing at the Combine. This included a 4.85 40-yard dash. Coming in at 6-3.5, and 286 pounds, many anticipate that Stills will play on the interior at the next level, but based on his experience in college, he could very well also make an impact off of the edge.
With 137 total tackles, 53 tackles for loss, and 24.5 total sacks, Stills could be a force at the next level. With his arrival, he could be a depth piece for the entire Giants defensive front. Look for him at No. 245 overall.
NY Giants Round 7 Pick: Troy LB Carlton Martial
Over five collegiate seasons at Troy, linebacker Carlton Martial put together one of the most prolific careers in recent history. While coming in at 5-9 and 210 pounds, he is undersized for the linebacker position. But that did not stop him from being a force.
In total, Martial recorded 578 total tackles, 51 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks over 59 collegiate games. His 578 total tackles were the most of any linebacker in Division-I history. Adding a player of his size could be a risk, but the potential is sky high. If Martial can play anywhere near the level that he did while at Temple, he could be the hidden gem of this year’s class at No. 254 overall for the G-Men.
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