NFL Mock Draft 2023: Giants wait until Day 2 to bring in star WR for Daniel Jones
By Reese Nasser
NY Giants Round 5 Pick: Auburn LB Owen Pappoe
With the addition of Bobby Okereke, the Giants have already made a major move to improve the linebacker room. Along with this, Micah McFadden will head into Year 2 looking to build on a strong rookie season, and Darrian Beavers will make his NFL debut. With the group that New York has put together, there is potential in 2023. Adding yet another linebacker in Auburn's Owen Pappoe could be what completes the group.
During his time at Auburn, Pappoe consistently made big plays on the defensive side of the ball. Over four seasons, he racked up 145 solo tackles, 256 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks, seven batted passes, and two interceptions.
Owen Pappoe knows how to use the hit stick. pic.twitter.com/dULYeNVU5Z
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 17, 2022
While Pappoe isn't the biggest linebacker at 6-0, he still has the ability to make an impact all over the field. With his speed, and ability to make an impact in coverage, he could become a consistent playmaker for this group. Adding him alongside Okereke, McFadden, and Beavers could give the Giants defense a unit of linebackers that can fly around the field.
NY Giants Round 5 Pick: TCU Edge Dylan Horton
With the offseason additions of Rakeem Nunez-Roches and A'Shawn Robinson to add alongside Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Wiliams, the Giants have put together arguably the best interior defense in the NFL. In the draft, they could now look to solidify the edge. TCU's Dylan Horton could do just that.
The young pass-rush duo of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari has shown elite potential. Given that they can stay healthy, they could quickly become one of the best edge threats in the NFL. Adding Horton could help take the pressure off the pair.
During his time at both New Mexico and TCU, Horton found success. Over 47 collegiate games, he recorded 90 solo tackles, 146 total tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and 18 sacks. This past season, Horton played a key role on a strong TCU defense. Through 15 games, he set career-highs with 51 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks.