Giants Draft: Final grades for the 2023 Class
The New York Giants approached the 2023 Draft with the need to address multiple positions, including receiver, corner, and interior offensive line, all of which were addressed in the Giants' first three picks. I believe the Giants did well as a whole, with their overall grade being a B+. But in today's exercise, we will […]
The New York Giants approached the 2023 Draft with the need to address multiple positions, including receiver, corner, and interior offensive line, all of which were addressed in the Giants' first three picks.
I believe the Giants did well as a whole, with their overall grade being a B+. But in today's exercise, we will be grading each pick individually, with some being honor roll students, and others potentially flunking out.
So without further ado, let's grade every pick of the Giants' 2023 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft: Final grades for the 2023 Class
Deonte Banks, Grade: A

To have Banks on the board one pick before their slated selection at 25, New York knew not to take a chance on someone else swooping in and taking the best corner on the board at that time in the draft. Banks will immediately unlock some of Wink Martindale’s playbook, thanks to his ability to hold up on an island.
John Michael Schmitz, Grade: A

JMS was largely thought of as the best center in his class, with immediate plug-and-play ability along the Giant’s offensive line. He would have been a consideration at 25 should Banks have been gone, making him a great value selection at 57th overall.
Jalin Hyatt, Grade: A

Hyatt was gaining some steam as a potential round-one prospect, thanks to his gaudy stats and impressive tape. The 2022 All-American fell due to size concerns as he is under 180 pounds, but his elite takeoff and ability to win down the field make him a tremendous steal at 73rd overall in my opinion.
Eric Gray, Grade: B+

I would have liked to see the Giants address linebacker here, but given they had no fourth-round pick, and the uncertainty of Saquon Barkley’s situation this pick makes a lot of sense. Gray can be a high-upside backup if everything goes to plan, with the potential to be a spot starter as needed.
Tre Hawkins, Grade: D

I understand that Hawkins was a sixth-round pick, but there were certainly other options on the table at corner, including Cory Trice Jr. from Purdue who was expected to go early on day three at the latest.
Jordon Riley, Grade: C

Riley is a massive human being, measuring in at 6’5 and nearly 340 pounds at the Oregon Pro Day. He is an obvious choice to be a nose tackle in New York’s 3-4 defense and could be a solid addition if he turns out to be a successful late-round flyer.
Gervarrius Owens, Grade: B+

Owens won’t blow you away athletically or with otherworldly body measurements but he’s a solid player and was productive for the Houston Cougars. He left college recording career highs in tackles, forced fumbles, and pass breakups last season.
New York Giants fans can sleep soundly knowing their front office did a tremendous job across the three days of the draft. With glowing praise from much of the media, those who bleed blue should be excited about the upcoming season.