3 best-case scenarios for the Giants in the 2023 NFL Draft first round
By Zak Musso
1. Joey Porter Jr. or Deonte Banks lands with Big Blue
The Giants biggest need is not wide receiver, it's defensive back. In fact, defensive back is now the favorite to be the Giants first-round pick per the Las Vegas oddsmakers. Adoree' Jackson is the only corner on the Giants who has a role carved out for him in 2023. The Giants don't currently have a CB2 on the roster. Jackson will be a free agent after the season, which would leave the Giants without a CB1 or CB2 for 2024.
In the wide receiver room, the Giants feature Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard, Isaiah Hodgins, Parris Campbell Jr., Jamison Crowder, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Collin Johnson, all who are in line for big roles in 2023. That is a solid group, but it does not have a WR1. After making the playoffs in 2022 without a WR1, Schoen might decide that is the route to go again in 2023.
The cornerback room has an alpha, but it has little depth after that, the polar opposite of the wide receiver room. Schoen has consistently preached about adding depth to the Giants roster, which makes it likely he will draft a DB tonight. Deonte Banks and Joey Porter Jr. are both much more than depth.
Banks is 6-0, 197 pounds, and ran a blazing 4.35 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine. Banks is predominately a man-to-man cover corner, which would make him a perfect fit for Wink's system. Porter Jr. is 6-2, 193 pounds, and ran a 4.46 40-yard dash.
Similar to Banks, Porter Jr. predominately played man-to-man in college. Either would be a tremendous pick, and could give the Giants an elite corner tandem for the 2023 season. We're about to find out what Schoen has in mind for the future.