4. Can Tre Hawkins step in and contribute?
We've all heard the hype of the one rookie cornerback for the Giants with Banks since he was their first-round pick. But what about the other rookie corner from the 2023 NFL Draft? Because cornerback was such a position of need from a year ago, the Giants took two corners in the draft. Aside from Banks, they also selected Tre Hawkins in the sixth round out of Old Dominion.
Hawkins has the size at 6-3 - he's a very physical player ready to make hits and tackles and he has the speed, as he ran a 4.4 40-yard time. On paper, Hawkins will likely be a backup to either Adoree' Jackson or Banks on the depth chart. Being a late-round rookie pick, he'll have to earn his spot on the depth chart.
First play of film on Giants 6th rounder Tre Hawkins aaaaaand he’s body slamming people pic.twitter.com/eqHi5CZA31
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) April 30, 2023
At worst, Hawkins could be a potential special teams player for the Giants if he doesn't get used in the secondary rotation. But given the lack of depth the Giants encountered and with the injuries that happened a year ago, Hawkins could find opportunities to play if he is able to impress.