After each New York Giants pick for the 2023 NFL Draft, we polled Big Blue View readers to get their grades. Chris Pflum offered his pick-by-pick notes. We’ve compiled scores from national analysts. Now let’s ask the entire BBV writing team what they liked, disliked, and their overall grades.
Nick Falato
What I liked: Joe Schoen’s aggressiveness in finding players who make the difference with his top 3 picks. Schoen traded a spot in the first round to secure Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks, who fits like a perfect tailored suit to Wink Martindale’s pressman defense. He then boxed picks #89 and 128 to jump up to pick #73 to secure Tennessee wide receiver — and 2022 Biletnikoff Prize winner — Jalin Hyatt.
This draft class wasn’t the best or deepest by many reports. In 2022, Schoen traded back for more assets multiple times to round out a meager list, but did the opposite in 2023; He secured value on emergency positions and found three possible starters for the 2023 season. Schoen also showed some patience while waiting for Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz at the No. 57 pick.
The Giants received three players who were at one point rumored to be their #25 pick – that’s just great value. I also appreciate the late round selection. Eric Gray could help form a committee if Saquon Barkley goes after 2023. Gray will also play a role in the first year; I love his foresight, short-distance athleticism and upward movement.
Schoen played traits with Tre Hawkins III and Jordon Riley. The former is a longtime cornerback who spent two years at Old Dominion, and the latter is a massive defenseman who has played in four different college football programs. Most recently he was with Oregon.
I can see the idea of ​​their two first-year roles, but they have to earn their roster spot, which isn’t a certainty. Riley is likely to compete with DJ Davidson from 2022’s fifth round. Houston safety Gervarrius Owens has reach, is explosive, and had 22 passes defended in college. He has to correct his tackle if he wants to see the field. Overall, the Giants have found at least three solid players who will contribute in key positions in the first year.
What I did not like: The Eagles, I didn’t like that. The addition of four more Bulldogs in IDL Jalen Carter, edge-back Nolan Smith, CB Keele Ringo and RB D’Andre Swift in a trade with the Lions bolstered their already Super Bowl-struggling roster now and into the future. Winning the NFC East is typically the first step to lasting success that helps teams achieve their ultimate goal of winning it all. The NFC East currently runs through Philadelphia.
However, the NFC East hasn’t had a consecutive winner since 2005, so we know this is a resolute division and Brian Daboll will be preparing his team for that. Also, due to the trades-up I support, the Giants were unable to round off some positions that need depth (especially Edge and Linebacker). But that’s what the free agency is for.
Degree: A
Chris Plum
What I liked: The Giants got better. Joe Schoen was praised for the value he got in that draft, mostly for the first three picks. He made a few trades to secure Deonte Banks and Jalin Hyatt, but they were pretty strong outliers on the big board when they were acquired. The Giants took our (according to Big Blue View Big Board) CB 3, iOL 2, WR 6 and RB 11 as 4th CB, took 4th iOL, took 10th WR and took 11th RB. All in all, these are solid values. The other thing that stands out to me is that the high ground is player-picked. John Michael Schmitz and Eric Gray will be solid players, although never spectacular. Banks and Hyatt have the ability to produce instantly, and even if they ride the beginner roller coaster, they will be assets on average while learning the intricacies of their positions.
What I did not like: The Giants still seem to lack depth, at least on paper in April, and more picks would have helped fill the list.
This is the opportunity cost of those trades up – especially compared to a trade down. Schön could not incorporate an edge defender or linebacker in the draft, nor could he include a long-term backup. They also only have two quarterbacks on the roster, both of whom have struggled with injuries throughout their careers, and Tyrod Taylor will be a free agent after this season. Even if the Giants didn’t trade back, there were good players who got knocked off the board in the 100 selections between their picks in the third and fifth rounds. Each selection is a lottery ticket, and generally, more tickets equal more prizes.
Joe Schoen approached the draft as if the Giants were already deep (a la Chiefs and Eagles). We’ll see if this strategy pays off or if the lack of depth is haunting it.
Degree: A-
Tony Del Genio
What I liked: For me, Days 1 and 2 of the draft were as good as could be given the circumstances the Giants were facing. They managed to fill three of their biggest holes with potential Impact players. I love Deonte Banks’ pick, and if the Giants were strong enough for him over Joey Porter Jr. to give up two low picks, then I agree they will do so to ensure that. If Banks becomes a shutdown cornerback, the impact on Wink Martindale’s defense will be worth it. Waiting for John Michael Schmitz to join them in Round 2 after Joe Tippmann made 14 picks earlier was a gamble that worked and is a big step towards a solid O-line. Getting him in 57th place is a good stat. The trade-up in Round 3 was pretty even in what they paid for what they got back in draft position. Doing this for an explosive, if raw, wide receiver at Jalin Hyatt that’s ranked much higher in Big Boards is excellent. To top it off, Eric Gray’s pick in Round 5 was very good value – elusive, explodes through holes to the second tier, and good enough to create chunk games. He also returns punts.
What I did not like: I was disappointed that the Giants didn’t draft an edge defender or linebacker with any of their three remaining picks, but that’s the price to pay (forgoing middle picks) to get Banks and Hyatt. It looks like the Giants will sign UDFAs at both positions. There are also free agents out there.
Degree: A
Rivka board
What I liked: The Giants’ first three picks knocked it out of the park. Deonte Banks was considered one of the top four corners that would be taken off the board before the Giants picked up. Snagging him in 24th place, even though they had to act for it, was worthy of the bear hug Wink Martindale gave Joe Schoen. Cornerback has a steeper learning curve than some other positions, but Banks should be an immediate upgrade over the revolving door the Giants had at that position last season. Getting John Michael Schmitz in 57th place was a home run. He will make life a lot easier for Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. As Brian Daboll said, the team loves his guts. Jalin Hyatt isn’t a perfect receiver and has plenty to do, but his deep play ability will open up space for the Giants’ other goals. Getting him into the third round was a steal. I also loved the Eric Gray selection; I think he’ll allow Barkley to take more breathers and balance the chunk plays with grinding hard yards.
What I did not like: I don’t think I disliked all that much about the Giants draft. The only thing I would have wished for was a higher ceiling player somewhere on the defensive line. Jordon Riley is a big physique, but he doesn’t seem to be doing too well. The makeshift measures taken by Schoen on the defensive line will put the team in dire straits next offseason.
Degree: A
Jeremy Portnoy
What I liked: Value. While coming to Dave Gettleman’s overall draft record, it’s still refreshing to think that the Giants got good value from each of their top picks at the moment. It was unreasonable to expect any of New York’s top three picks in this draft to fall further than they did. I was also impressed with the emphasis on high floor prospects as the roster still needs basic elements. Deonte Banks’ issues are more about style of play than anything unchanging, and I have faith in the Giants coaching staff to resolve those issues. And John Michael Schmitz and others in the class are safe bets on being at least solid contributors.
What I did not like: It’s hard to complain much about this design. After the Jets acquired center Joe Tippmann, I was dying to see the Giants trade a little for John Michael Schmitz to make sure they got away with a top center. Obviously that’s not really a criticism as Joe Schoen was rewarded for being stuck at number 57. But the moment the picks wore off, I didn’t think it was a risk worth taking. I’m not as enamored with Jalin Hyatt’s selection as most are — he wasn’t drafted as a true No. 1 recipient, and it’s possible that New York was better off investing draft capital in another position until they find someone , who – but I can’t deny the value of taking him to the third round.
Degree: A-
Valentine’s view
What I liked: It’s easy to praise the top three picks – Deonte Banks, John Michael Schmitz, Jalin Hyatt. These picks are praised almost everywhere. I love how Joe Schoen got more value than expected draft slot than any other GM with the players he picked.
What I really loved, however, was Schoen’s aggression. his approach. his planning. In two drafts, Schoen has shown a willingness to go back (2022) when he felt a thin roster needed more body, and in 2023 a willingness to use additional draft assets to get players he could put into the had set his sights on players who could turn into a difference-maker. These are the kind of players the Giants need if they ever want to catch the Eagles in the NFC East. Yes, it is generally better to trade down than up. However, late picking with extra tips and the need for players to make the difference made this a point where trading was – for me – an acceptable risk.
I love the fact that what Schoen did over the weekend throughout the offseason should give Giants fans confidence that they have a general manager who knows what he’s doing.
What I did not like: Everything I say here is really just a quibble, not a real complaint. It would have been nice to add something to the tight end, rim, and off-ball linebacker spots. Still, in Rounds 5 through 7 you’re talking about players who might not contribute regularly beyond special teams anyway.
Degree: A
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