ESPN names two Giants as best fits post NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is a time of optimism for all 32 NFL franchises. Nobody believes they made a bad pick or signed a bad undrafted free agent. As one former GM said, "You'll never see an unhappy war room on draft day." But oftentimes, teams draft players that leave those of us in the media […]
The NFL Draft is a time of optimism for all 32 NFL franchises. Nobody believes they made a bad pick or signed a bad undrafted free agent. As one former GM said, "You'll never see an unhappy war room on draft day."
But oftentimes, teams draft players that leave those of us in the media scratching our heads, as it may not be the player, but rather the fit or the situation. And in football, fit is as important as anything.
So when ESPN draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid released their 2023 NFL draft: Best picks, worst reaches, favorite fits it was impressive to see both writers tout two different Giants draftees as their favorite fits.
Matt Miller named John Michael Schmitz as his favorite prospect to team fit, adding the following on the former Golden Gopher center:
The middle of the line needed an upgrade, and Minnesota's Schmitz is the perfect fit given his mobility and accuracy blocking in space and on the move. He'll be a plug-and-play upgrade with Creed Humphrey-like early-impact potential.
I totally agree with Miller. Schmitz immediately comes in as the best player along the interior of the offensive line and fills a need at one of football's most underrated positions in center.
Jordan Reid also loved the Giants haul but he named Deonte Banks as his favorite fit, saying:
It shouldn't be surprising to see defensive coordinator Wink Martindale give GM Joe Schoen a big hug during ESPN's live telecast of this pick; Banks is the perfect cornerback for his man-to-man scheme. He's big and aggressive but also has the poise to remain hip-to-hip throughout routes with receivers. The Maryland product landed in a scheme that's tailor-made for his skill set.
As all of you that have read my pre and post-draft analysis of Banks and his fit with Giants know, I wholeheartedly agree with Reid. The Giants' defense has to become more multiple and turnover worthy.
And I know that Banks only recorded one interception over the course of his college career, but that doesn't mean he's not capable of being a ball hawk in the league. Hopefully opposing quarterbacks will test Banks, proving my hypothesis correct.
In all, the Giants did a stellar job not only with these two picks, but their first four in general, given the value they got on Jalin Hyatt (3rd round) and Eric Gray (5th round). Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll deserve their flowers, so it's good to see them being handed out.
