The New York Giants draft is undoubtedly going to look different than previous years. No top pick, no extra capital, and nobody clamoring for a quarterback. What is the move at pick 25 for head coach Brian Daboll and company?
What do the New York Giants need?
If you watched any Giants football this year, it was blatantly obvious they have large gaps in their roster. The question at 25 shouldn’t be “which position is the biggest need” it should be “what player best fills a hole on the team”. With that being said, the Giants need the following: wide receiver, interior offensive line, and cornerback the most. Followed by an edge rusher and tight end.
The New York Giants Draft Options:
The Giants have a few really good options at 25, but it’s a weird place to be. With a lot of questions ahead of them, New York has no control over the options and just has to sit put and hope.
Photo Credit: Butch Dill
Offensive Line:
The offensive line was a lot better under Brian Daboll. The interior offensive line is the biggest problem for New York. Quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley were able to make things happen with constant pressure up the middle. Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence would be a great option. He is a people mover. I got to see him down in Mobile for the Senior Bowl and he is one of the best O-line prospects in the draft.
Wide Receiver:
New York clearly needs wide receiver help. However, is this the class for them to take a receiver? I have no clue. Jordan Addison, Jaxson Smith-Njigba, and most of the receivers in this class are smaller guys. Do they take one of these guys early, considering the wide receivers they already have on the roster in similar roles? Probably not. Look for a receiver later in the draft.
Cornerback:
This is a super tough one. If one of the top four corners are there, you take them INSTANTLY. The top two, Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon most definitely will not be there at 25. I don’t think Joey Porter Jr. or Cam Smith will be there, either. If they aren’t, corner is a no-go in my book. There is so much value later in this draft at corner that it just isn’t worth it.
The Best Draft Option for the New York Giants
Honestly, I don’t know that there is a “best” option for the Giants. If the Giants draft anyone I listed above, I would be happy, but it will all depend on the movement in front of the 25th pick.
The 2023 NFL Draft class is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing classes in recent memory. But by far one of the most intriguing groups in this entire NFL draft class is the wide receivers.
There aren’t as many “elite” talents in this class as there were in past draft classes. However, there are plenty of interesting options for teams looking to replenish their wide receiver room. Below are the 15 best wide receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft class.
Johnston was one of the best receivers in the nation in 2022, helping lead the Horned Frogs to the National Title game. His size, speed, and ball skills allow him to dominate his competition. He’s surprisingly nimble as a route runner, using his athleticism to leverage separation that will enable him to break off big runs. Johnston is one of only a few true number-one receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft class.
2. Jordan Addison – USC – 86.9/100 – First Round Grade
Addison is another candidate to become a true number-one wide receiver in the NFL with his blend of speed and playmaking ability. USC creatively utilized Addison in a number of different ways, including out of the backfield. As such, this experience will translate directly to NFL schemes that function heavily with wide receiver versatility.
3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Ohio State – 85.4/100 Second Round Grade
Smith-Njigba is an interesting player here at number three. On one hand, his 2021 tape was phenomenal, despite lacking elite athleticism. On the other hand, his injuries and subsequent lack of playing time in 2022 are disappointing, but nonetheless out of his control. What’s evident are Smith-Njigba’s abilities out of the slot, using his ball skills and route running prowess to win.
Out of every receiver in this top half, Downs is likely this writer’s favorite. Blending size, speed, and route running ability to make for one of the best pure playmakers in this entire draft.
Boutte is another player who, on paper, disappointed this season. Heralded as the next man up after the departure of Ja’Marr Chase, Boutte never reached those same heights as his predecessor. In spite of that, Boutte does a great job winning on a vertical plane and using his physical tools to create separation.
2023 NFL Draft Wide Receivers: 6-10
Photo Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
6. Zay Flowers – Boston College – 83.4/100 – Second Round Grade
Flowers is also one of the best pure play-makers in this class. His speed is elite, which allows him to zip past defenders while pulling away with the ball in his hands. He’s not a true number-one receiver. However, if you’re looking for a deep threat to pair with a number-one, look no further than Flowers.
Despite being one of the most well-rounded receivers in this class, Mims is easily one of the most underrated. Like Flowers, he can stack defensive backs easily when working on vertical concepts while surviving contact over the middle.
Rice is the next prospect in a recent run of highly-touted SMU Mustang receivers to enter the draft. While James Proche, Reggie Roberson, and Danny Gray had their strengths, none of them can compare to what Rice brings to the table. Rice is a big receiver with a surprising amount of YAC ability in his game. Despite some drops, Rice has good ball skills that will only improve in the NFL.
Hyatt was one of the most exciting receivers in college football last year. Part of the Volunteers’ success was due to Hyatt’s big-play ability. Hyatt eats up cushion with speed, while using lateral agility to leverage separation down the field. He’ll be another solid deep threat for any team looking to add some punch to their offense in 2023
“Tank” Dell has been incredibly productive throughout his career with Houston and now has a chance to be an early contributor in the NFL. Dell is a smaller receiver, but can thrive out of the slot or as a gadget player due to his athletic traits.
2023 NFL Draft Wide Receivers: 11-15
Photo Credit: Jeff Spaur – Iowa State Athletics
11. Xavier Hutchinson – Iowa State – 77.9/100 – Third Round Grade
Hutchinson was a favorite to go on Day 2 last year, but ultimately went back to Iowa State for one final season. Hutchinson has now cemented himself as one of the better Day 2 options. He possesses great route-running skills and has some of the best hands out of the receiver group.
12. A.T. Perry – Wake Forest – 77.7/100 – Third Round Grade
Like Hutchinson, Perry could have declared last year, but opted to play one final year in college. Perry is a big, physical receiver who can give teams plenty of wins in contested situations and be a go-to target in the red zone.
Tillman struggled with injuries in 2022 after a productive 2021 season with the Volunteers. Despite this, he still showed his ability to make tough catches and display how well he tracks the ball. He’s not a threat to win with elite athleticism, but if you need a solid wide receiver two, look no further.
14. Parker Washington – Penn State – 74.4/100 – Fourth Round Grade
Washington feels like a player who should have been more productive in his career. He’s been one of the most solid receivers in the nation recently, despite not gaining the recognition he deserves. He plays with plenty of speed, has strong hands, and at worst will be a consistent wide receiver four in the NFL.
Jarrett was poised to have a big 2022 season, but nagging injuries caused him to take a step back this year. Even so, Jarrett still showed off his capabilities as a run-after-catch receiver, using his speed and lateral agility to eat up yards. Jarrett will be a steal for teams looking to build up their receiver room.
