NFL Mock Draft 2023: Giants wait until Day 2 to bring in star WR for Daniel Jones

It's here. After months of waiting and plenty of speculation, the 2023 NFL Draft is all set to get underway on Thursday night. This is something that NY Giants fans have had circled on their calendars since the 2022 campaign came to a close. And it's been a busy offseason for Joe Schoen.

Whether it be through trades or free agency, the Giants roster already appears to be better. Now heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, they will look to complete their group. Schoen has been working overtime and so have we. Here's our final mock draft leading up to Thursday's first round:

NY Giants Round 1 Pick: Alabama S Brian Branch

Following the loss of Julian Love, and a need within the secondary, Alabama's Brian Branch could help fill several needs for the Giants defense. During his time with the Crimson Tide, Branch looked to be one of the best defenders in the nation. Now as he heads to the NFL, he could make an instant impact.

Over his three seasons at Alabama, Branch appeared in 35 total games, while emerging into a key piece on defense. In total, he recorded 111 solo tackles, 172 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, 23 defended passes, and three interceptions.

This past season, Branch played his best football yet. Over his final 13 collegiate games, he recorded 58 solo tackles, 90 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, seven defended passes, and two interceptions.

While at Alabama, Branch was used all over the defense, but his best play came with him working in the slot. This past season, he earned a PFF grade of 89.5. In addition, he earned a 90.7 run grade and an 86.4 coverage grade

With the arrival of Branch, this Wink Martindale-led defense would gain an immediate starter. He also has the potential to become a crucial piece to their success. Adding him alongside Xavier McKinney would also give the Giants an Alabama duo leading the back of their defense.

NY Giants Round 2 Pick: Ohio State C Luke Wypler

With both Jon Feliciano and Nick Gates moving on in free agency, the Giants have attempted to add veterans to the offensive front. But in a draft class loaded with so much talent on the interior, there is a chance that they look to add an immediate starter in the early rounds. Ohio State's Luke Wypler could be an ideal addition to this run-heavy offense.

Coming in at 6-2 and 302 pounds, Wypler isn't the biggest option at center. Yet even at his size, he has shown that he has the ability to be a force on the interior. During his two years as Ohio State's starting center, Wypler emerged as the leader of a group with several first-round prospects.

In 2021, while appearing in 860 offensive plays, he did his part in creating a clean pocket. He finished the season allowing just seven quarterback hurries, one quarterback hits, and zero sacks. Heading into 2022, Wypler was expected to be efficient once again, and he did just that. Through 827 offensive plays, he allowed seven quarterback hurries, zero quarterback hits, and just one sack.

Up to this point, Wypler has won with his speed and ability to attack defenders anywhere on the field. With the playing style that he has, he could thrive in this Giants offense. If they are looking to find a permanent solution at center, he could be just that.

NY Giants Round 3 Pick: Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo

Since the end of the 2022 season, the Giants have made moves to address the wide receiver position. With Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard, Parris Campbell, and Wan'Dale Robinson, the team already has a solid core in place. But even with the additions that they have made, adding another pass-catcher could be key to the success of the offense. Jonathan Mingo could be a great third-round get.

During his time at Ole Miss, while sometimes inconsistent, Mingo showed flashes of elite potential. Over four seasons and 34 games, he hauled in 112 receptions for 1,758 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns. This past season, Mingo saw his production increase drastically. Over 13 games, he set career-highs across the board, recording 51 receptions for 861 receiving yards and six total touchdowns.

With his size and speed, Mingo has the potential to become a go-to option in any offense that he joins. Placing him alongside the options that the Giants already have could lead to instant success. In a unit that works as this one does, he could find the ball in his hands early and often.

NY Giants Round 4 Pick: TCU RB Kendre Miller

With Saquon Barkley's future with the Giants still unknown, running back could become a major need. In a class full of talent at the position, the Giants could wait until the later rounds. TCU's Kendre Miller could be the perfect fit.

Over his first two seasons at TCU, Miller flashed potential out of the backfield. Over 19 games, he rushed for 1,011 yards and nine touchdowns. Through the air, he added 13 receptions for 113 receiving yards and one touchdown.

In 2022, as TCU put on an elite display on offense, Miller took his play to a new level. In just 14 games, he surpassed his production from the past two seasons combined. He finished the year rushing for 1,399 yards and 17 touchdowns on 224 total carries. He also added 16 receptions for 116 receiving yards.

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.

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.

NY Giants Round 6 Pick: BYU WR Puka Nacua

The addition of BYU's Puka Nacua could complete the Giants wide receiver room. With Robinson still working back from a torn ACL, Nacua could step up in his absence, He also has the potential to become a regular contributor.

Following two seasons at Washington, Nacua opted to join BYU in 2021. During his two seasons at the school, he played a major role both on the ground and through the air. In his first season at BYU, Nacua hauled in 43 receptions for 805 receiving yards and six touchdowns. On the ground, he added 148 yards on 14 carries.

This past season, Nacua played an even bigger role on the ground. While carrying the ball 25 times, he recorded 209 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Through the air, he recorded 48 receptions for 625 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Nacua's addition would give the Giants yet another playmaker on the offensive side of the ball. With his ability to make plays all over the field, he could carve out a role both on the ground and through the air.

NY Giants Round 7 Pick: UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson

With just Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor currently on the roster, adding a third quarterback could be on the Giants radar. When looking at their offense, there may not be a better fit than UCLA's Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

While at UCLA, Thompson-Robinson was a consistent threat both with his arm and his legs. Over five collegiate seasons, he threw for 10,710 yards, 88 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions. On the ground, he rushed for 1,826 yards and 12 touchdowns.

NY Giants Round 7 Pick: Michigan OT Ryan Hayes

Adding another option at tackle could be key for the Giants as both Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal have dealt with injuries. Michigan's Ryan Hayes, who was a two-year starter, could develop into a solid option up front.

Over the past two seasons, Hayes took the field as Michigan's starting left tackle. While taking the field for 1,718 offensive snaps, he allowed just three sacks and eight quarterback hits. The Giants have a potential star in Thomas, but adding insurance at left tackle could look to pay off down the line.

NY Giants Round 7 Pick: LSU CB Mekhi Garner

The Giants have already assembled a cornerback room full of young playmakers who have flashed potential. LSU's Mekhi Garner could bring even more depth to the group. He also has all the tools to develop into a solid option at the next level.

While spending time at both LSU and Louisiana, Garner showcased all of the tools needed in the secondary. In total, he recorded 106 total tackles, five tackles for loss, 23 defended passes and three interceptions. Given that Garner can find his place in the NFL, he could become much-needed depth to the Giants secondary.

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