It's no secret that this year's draft was one of the best for the NY Giants in recent memory. General manager Joe Schoen and Co. picked up some nice pieces for Big Blue both to make an immediate impact and to add some depth to the roster.
With the exceptions of Deonte Banks and John Michael Schmitz, no one in this draft class is expected to start right out of the gate, or even be the No. 2 guy. However, that could change quickly if some veteran Giants don't bring their best throughout the season. Let's take a look at who might be on the hot seat for the G-Men, and which youngsters (not just '23 draft picks) could take their spots:
3. CB Darnay Holmes
Right now, it feels like it's up in the air if Darnay Holmes will still on the roster once Week 1 arrives. There's been plenty of speculation that he could potentially be a cap casualty at some point in the near future. There would be several guys ready to step up if general manager Joe Schoen decides to part ways with him.
While rookie Tre Hawkins has made a name for himself early on at OTAs, a player to keep an eye on moving forward would definitely be Cor'Dale Flott. Flott joined the G-Men last season and ended up appearing in 11 games, recording six starts. Flott surprised plenty of people with his play and there's no question the staff is high on his potential.
Last campaign for defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and head coach Brian Daboll, the 6-1 Flott posted 26 total tackles, two pass deflections and one forced fumble. There are high expectations for Flott in '23 and we have a feeling he'll live to things. He was thrown right into the mix last year and proved his worth. More of the same will be on the way this season.
2. RB Matt Breida
Matt Breida has been s solid backup since he became a Giant, so this undoubtedly hurts to say. However, rookie fifth-round pick Eric Gray has the potential to do some serious damage in the NFL. Gray made his last college season his best as he rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns.
He also was solid out of the backfield as a receiver. He caught 33 passes for an average of 6.4 yards a reception. Gray currently sits right behind Breida on the depth chart at No. 3, but if his potential can translate to the field, Breida may be the third guy sooner rather than later.
With these two backs, all the measurables are pretty much a wash. They're about the same height, Breida is faster and Gray is a little bit stronger. On the field, both of them can seemingly do the same thing as well. Both are good at eating yards and reading blocks. Plus, they can be a threat out of the backfield to catch the ball and make a play. So, where is the possibility Gray could take the No. 2 spot?
Simply put, Gray's age helps him here. Gray is essentially the newer model and five years younger. In a day and age of the NFL where running backs seem to age quickly, you want some version of youth in the backfield. Gray can bring that and then some to MetLife. Gray could see extended action as Saquon Barkley's backup this fall.
1. WR Isaiah Hodgins
Isaiah Hodgins quickly became a fan favorite for Big Blue Nation last season, catching 33 passes for 351 yards and four touchdowns in just eight games played for the Giants. His performance in the Wild Card Round was nothing short of brilliant as well.
Most fans believed those eight games were his breakout and he'll be the next great Giants wide receiver. However, there is some skepticism that comes with Hodgins. The obvious question: was last year all a fluke? For a team without a true No. 1 receiver, the coaching staff will do anything to try to find one.
Enter third-round pick out of Tennessee Jalin Hyatt. Hyatt wasn't just good in college, he was, quite literally, one of the best in the country. The 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner turned in a season that accounted for 67 receptions, more than 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns. Five of those touchdowns came against Nick Saban's Alabama in a thrilling Vols' win.
College is certainly different than the NFL, but numbers like that are nothing to overlook. Hyatt has been widely regarded as one of the biggest steals in the draft and his numbers tell us why. If Hodgins, or any other receiver for that matter, isn't careful, the receivers' room will belong to Hyatt.
While we expect Hodgins to be featured quite a bit early on in the campaign, we wouldn't be surprised to see Hyatt see more of the field than him at some point in the season. Hyatt's got monster potential as well.
READ MORE: Grading every NY Giants first-round pick since 2013