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9 middle-round prospects the NY Giants should monitor prior to the 2023 NFL Draft

By Desmond Novack

Mar 3, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Cam Smith (DB29) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Cam Smith (DB29) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Ben Finley (10) looks to pass as guard Chandler Zavala (64) blocks and North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Myles Murphy (8) pressures in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Ben Finley (10) looks to pass as guard Chandler Zavala (64) blocks and North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Myles Murphy (8) pressures in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. NC State OG Chandler Zavala

If the Giants opt to look for an offensive guard in the middle rounds of this year’s draft, Chandler Zavala out of North Carolina State should be towards the top of their board. Much like he was coming out of high school, Zavala is often overlooked and could be a sneaky pick by the Giants in the fourth or fifth round if they opt to look for a guard.

Coming in at 6-5, 325 pounds, Zavala uses his massive size to dominate opponents off the line of scrimmage. While he isn’t a perfect prospect, as no one projected to go this far is, Zavala seems like he could be a high floor pass blocker coming out of college.

During his time at NC State, Zavala showcased some rather nice footwork and overall technique at the interior offensive line.  In 422 pass blocking snaps, Zavala allowed just three QB hurries and one QB hit. He is definitely one of the more technically sound pass protectors out of all the available guards in this draft.

While he could use some work on his ability in run blocking snaps, a good coach will help him iron this out as he develops. The interior offensive line of the Giants was a disaster last season from a pass protection standpoint, so bringing in a high floor pass protector at offensive guard could make things much easier heading into next campaign.

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