The New York Giants can come out of the 2023 NFL Draft with a team ready to repeat as playoff contenders and they don’t need to take a WR in round one to do so
Despite making it to the divisional round for the first time since 2011, the team still has a few areas where they need to address both starting positions and depth, the 2023 NFL Draft can fix a lot of those problems. Luckily for them, they aren’t one of the three teams that need a quarterback. Daniel Jones’ extension made sure they were out of the quarterback market for this draft.
At the top of their list is the center position, where they lost their two best players to free agency in the offseason. While they have some players on their roster that can fill the position, they haven’t had a consistent opening-day starter since 2016-2017.
New York Giants mock draft: Passing on WR early on
Another area of concern is the cornerback position, aside from Adoree’ Jackson, the team’s secondary has significant question marks. With Jackson’s contract expiring soon, they need to find a starting-caliber player to pair with him.
The Giants also need to address the linebacker position, although they signed Bobby Okereke in the offseason, it is still a weak unit overall. They have some promising young players but could use more talent to improve the position.
In contrast to some reports, the Giants have a solid group of receivers led by Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, and Isaiah Hodgins. They did sign Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder in the offseason, but the team could still take a receiver in the first round if the value matched up.
The Giants could use more depth at the edge rusher position, as they have two young and talented players in Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari, but still need more players to bolster the unit. With a defensive coordinator who loves getting after the quarterback, adding another pass rusher could open up many possibilities for the defense. This draft doesn’t have a ton of depth so, they may not find a guy.
Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
With the No. 25 pick, many fans may be clamoring for a wide receiver. The reality is that there isn’t a prototypical wide-out available for the Giants to draft. Instead, the team should focus on their defensive needs, and there is no better prospect for them than Deonte Banks.
Banks has all the qualities of a legitimate CB1 for any team in the NFL. He is a long and physical corner who excels in press coverage in man-to-man situations. Banks is a line-of-scrimmage re-setter who can play in zone coverage as well, but he truly shines in transitions and can easily handle being left on an island.
Banks has the ability to fit in with their defensive scheme. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has been known to play with more defensive backs on the field than any other team in the NFL, and Banks would fit right in. Given how much the Giants love to blitz, Banks would be an ideal man for the job.
While it’s true that many may argue that the Giants need to draft a wide receiver, it’s important to remember that a solid defense is often key to a team’s success. With Banks as their No. 25 pick, the Giants can feel confident that they are getting a top-tier cornerback who can hold his own against the league’s best receivers. Additionally, Banks’ ability to adapt to the Giants’ defensive scheme would make him a valuable asset to the team from day one.
If Banks isn’t there, maybe they surprise everyone and take Darnnell Washington who can help as a blocker, and give Daniel Jones another weapon. Putting him with Darren Waller would give the G-Men a dynamic pairing at tight end with different skill sets. Interior OL help is a possibility as well.
Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
Picture this: it’s a beautiful Sunday afternoon in New York City, and Giants fans are flocking to the local sports bar to catch the latest NFL game. As they settle in with their drinks and snacks, the talk quickly turns to the upcoming NFL draft, and who the Giants should pick to bolster their roster. Wide receiver? Defensive end? All viable options, to be sure, but what about a center?
Yes, I said it, a center! And not just any center, but Joe Tippmann, a powerhouse of a player who could be just the answer to the Giants’ offensive line woes. Tippmann may not have the same star power as some of the other top prospects in this year’s draft, but make no mistake: this guy is the real deal.
At 6’6″ and 313 pounds, Tippmann has the ideal size for a starting center in the NFL. But it’s not just his physical attributes that make him an ideal fit for the Giants – it’s his versatility and adaptability on the field. Tippmann is equally skilled at run blocking and pass protection, with the raw power and athleticism to handle any defender who comes his way.
As a run blocker, Tippmann is a force to be reckoned with. He has a strong base and active feet, allowing him to drive defenders down the line and make space for the running back. He’s also quick to climb to the second level and take on linebackers, using his athleticism and physicality to overpower them.
Tippmann is impressive in pass protection. He has the lateral agility and spatial awareness to keep up with defenders in tight spaces, and his hands fit well on initial engagement. Tippmann is also incredibly reliable in pass protection, allowing just one sack in two years with the Badgers.
Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
In the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the G-Men should look to add a wide receiver, whether that’s trading for a veteran or getting a guy who can line up outside on the boundary, Cedric Tillman is one of the better options.
Tillman is a beast on the field with his big-bodied frame and incredible stride length that eats up significant turf. He’s a master at setting up breaks and stacking corners with his bend route stems. But what sets him apart is his exceptional body control and ability to establish leverage at the catch point.
Not only is Tillman unfazed when challenged at the catch point, but he’s also got outstanding ball skills and spatial awareness. His hands are strong and confident, allowing him to pluck the football away from his frame with ease and hang on through contact.
While he may not have the most diverse route tree or be the best at racking up yards after the catch, Tillman’s size, ball skills, and body control make him an ideal fit for any receiver room. He excels as an outside receiver that gets chances to win down the field, making him perfect for a vertical spread scheme.
Of course, there are some areas where Tillman could improve, such as expanding his route tree and developing more technique to clear jams in the NFL. But with his talent and potential, Tillman could be a strong WR 2/3 at the next level.
So why not take a chance on Cedric Tillman in the 2023 NFL Draft? With his size, ball skills, and body control, he could be the missing piece to the G-Men’s puzzle.
DeMarcco Hellams, S Alabama
Wink Martindale’s defense is looking to beef up their ranks this draft season, and with the 20th pick in the first round already spent on a cornerback, the Giants need to keep the momentum going by adding a versatile defender in round two. Luckily, there’s a player who checks all the boxes for what Martindale is looking for, DeMarcco Hellams.
Hellams is a safety prospect out of Alabama, a school that Martindale has had great success drafting from in the past. But it’s not just the connection to the Crimson Tide that makes Hellams an ideal fit for Martindale’s defense. Hellams is a versatile defender, able to play both deep safety and closer to the line of scrimmage. He’s also one of the most productive defenders in his class, leading the Crimson Tide defense in tackles with 108 last season.
But where does Hellams fit in with the Giants’ defense? According to scouting reports, his best play comes from playing a traditional strong safety role. From that position, Hellams is effective against the run and the pass. He’s able to run the alley, close on ball carriers, and make an impact as a tackler. Hellams has a physical temperament that shows up in his play, and he’s not afraid to deliver a big hit when the opportunity arises.
Hellams is best suited for playing the hook-curl or middle-of-the-field defender in zone. From that position, he’s able to watch underneath routes develop and uses his quick trigger to close on receivers. He’s a smart, hard-hitting player that understands angles. A hybrid linebacker on third downs would be perfect for him. Especially given how he could see easy pressures in Wink’s blitz-heavy defense.
Don’t look for him to play in man coverage at all. However, Hellams will fit right in with Martindale’s aggressive defensive philosophy. Plus, the Alabama connection doesn’t hurt either. Worse case, he can play special teams.
Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
The New York Giants need a playmaker at the wide receiver position. With the fifth-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, they should target Ole Miss senior receiver Jonathan Mingo. Mingo’s ability to make plays after the catch and his big body makes him an ideal fit for the Giants’ offense.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 225 pounds, Mingo has a muscular upper body and a dense lower half that helps him become an effective receiver. His physical presence makes him a tough tackle for defensive backs, and he has consistently shown the ability to gain yards after the catch. The Giants need a receiver who can make plays in space, and Mingo’s YAC ability could be a game-changer for their offense.
Mingo has also shown the ability to play through press coverage and quickly get into his routes. Once he has the ball in his hands, his strength and physicality make him difficult to tackle. Mingo’s ability to make contested catches is also a plus, although he needs to work on going up and catching the ball at the highest point, which would make it harder for defensive backs to make a play on the ball.
One of the biggest reasons the Giants should target Mingo is his size. With Darren Waller as the team’s top tight end, the Giants need a big-bodied receiver who can step in if Waller were to get injured. Mingo’s frame makes him an ideal candidate for this role, and his experience as a YAC receiver could also make him a valuable contributor on special teams.
Of course, there are areas where Mingo needs to improve. He lacks true down-the-field speed, which could limit his effectiveness as a deep threat. His route-running could also use some work, but this is something that can be developed with the right coaching.
Anthony Bradford, OL, LSU
The New York Giants should look to bolster their offensive line depth. One potential option to consider on Day 3 is LSU offensive lineman Anthony Bradford, who can play both guard and tackle positions. Bradford has showcased impressive power and strength during his time at LSU and could add a new level of physicality to the Giants’ offensive line.
Bradford has experience playing multiple positions and has proven to be effective in both the run and pass game. In the run game, he excels in power/gap schemes and is able to drive defenders off the ball. With his size and mass, he can create displacement at the line of scrimmage and make it difficult for defensive linemen to shed him once he is engaged. Bradford’s finisher mentality and commitment to executing his blocks throughout the play make him an effective asset.
In pass protection, Bradford handles power rushers well and can anchor down to prevent them from collapsing the pocket. With his powerful hands, he can slow the momentum of rushers and throw powerful punches to disrupt their progress. However, he needs to work on his lateral agility to better deal with speed rushers attacking the gaps.
Overall, Bradford has the mass, length, and physical temperament necessary to be an effective interior offensive lineman. With a little improvement in his lateral agility, he has the potential to become a reliable starter in the NFL. Bradford’s versatility makes him a valuable asset to any team, and the Giants could benefit from his ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line.