Coach Brian Daboll’s first season with the New York Giants couldn’t have gone any better. There was a 9-7-1 record, leading to Big Blue’s first postseason appearance since 2016. New York then won its first playoff game in more than a decade. The team smashed expectations with an underwhelming roster. Now, the Giants look to substantially improve their squad.
Let’s check the latest NFL news, stats, injury reports, and NFL picks. We’ve got plenty of NFL lines for the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft Preview Games.
The 2023 Giants’ draft is going to be vital, as they look to fill several needs. Here are some potential targets in the draft.
2022 Season Record: 9-7-1
Status of Coach: Brian Daboll – Safe
Positions needed by The Giants
- Wide receiver
- Linebacker
- Offensive line
- Tight end
- Cornerback
Notable Draft Picks
- Round 1, Pick 25
- Round 2, Pick 57
Potential First-Round Targets
No. 1 need is a No. 1 wide receiver. However, the No. 25 overall pick is not a good spot to find a wideout. Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers could be the best available at the position, though both project as slot receivers.
New York spent a 2022 second-rounder on slot wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, who had a promising start to his rookie campaign before a season-ending knee injury. Sterling Shepard played in only three games before his season-ending (seen this before) knee injury. Shepard is a free agent, but there’s a good chance the Giants -re-sign the veteran. The corps could be much improved with both Robinson and Shepard healthy, even if there is no solid option to nab a wideout at No. 25.
LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte looks like the best fit at this pick. He has great athleticism, and is a big-play threat after the catch or on a bomb. He’s lacked consistency, so…
Kayshon Boutte has ARRIVED 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5mVZIVXIIy
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) December 3, 2022
New York could perhaps target a middle linebacker, arguably the Giants’ weakest position group last season. The No. 25 selection may yield either Clemson’s Trenton Simpson or Arkansas’ Drew Sanders.
Simpson has fantastic range and impressive speed as well. The former Tiger product would fill New York’s desperate need of improved linebacker pass coverage. Sanders would add versatility, as the 6-foot-5 ‘backer gives a massive headache to opposing offenses due to his length and athleticism. Plus, Sanders is a good edge rusher.
Potential Second-Round Targets
New York could find its wide receiver in the second round. Rashee Rice (SMU), Xavier Hutchinson (Iowa St.) and Cedric Tillman (Tennessee) would be exceptional fits with this choice. Rice has a well-rounded game with a ceiling that’s high. The ex-Mustang stands 6-foot-2, reliable hands and the ability to break tackles. Hutchinson (6-foot-3) has both sneaky speed and crafty route-running, while Tillman (also 6-foot-3) is a traditional jump-ball receiver.
A center is another option with the No. 57 selection. John Michael Schmitz (Minnesota) and Luke Wypler (Ohio St.) will likely be the top centers on the board. Schmitz has strength, combined with his ability to anchor in pass protection or punish in the run game. Wypler has excellent technique and has done a great job (possibly) propelling himself into the second level. However, there are some concerns about his strength at the next level.
Keep an eye on the Giants’ free agency moves as well. Several needs could emerge, especially if running back Saquon Barkley leaves town.
