Yahoo Sports Giants 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Big Blue goes WR in Round 1, experts predict
The 2022 season was a huge turnaround campaign for the Giants. One year after making a pair of picks in the top 10, Big Blue will make their first-round selection late in the 2023 NFL Draft.
After making the playoffs in Brian Daboll's first season as head coach, there was plenty of work to do for general manager Joe Schoen and the front office. But the team and Daniel Jones agreed to a contract extension and the franchise tag was placed on Saquon Barkley. Now they can focus to other free agents and what prospects could fill out the offense and become a top target.
With that in mind, here’s who some of the NFL Draft experts have the Giants selecting in their latest mock drafts with pick No. 25.
OL O'Cyrus Torrence (Florida)
It is now known that Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley are returning next season -- so what is one selection that would benefit both? Offensive line. Torrence is physical at the point of attack and has been coached by former Giants offensive line coach Rob Sale for the past year.
WR Quentin Johnston (TCU) (via trade to No. 20)
After watching the Chiefs jump up for a receiver, the Giants make a similar move, thanks to their desperate need for a true No. 1 target for the newly-extended Daniel Jones. In return for their third-round comp pick, the Giants land a huge, athletic target in Johnston, who has the most upside of any pass-catcher in the draft.
CB Kelee Ringo (Georgia)
Ringo ran fast at the Combine as expected and although he showed that some of his best coverage traits will serve him best in zone, he also has some upside in man coverage because of his size and speed outside. The Giants desperately need a confident, experienced No. 1.
Alyssa Barbieri, Touchdown Wire
WR Zay Flowers (Boston College)
At 5-foot-10 and 172 pounds, Flowers doesn’t fit the mold of what the Giants appear to need. Many believe they need a strong, tall outside receiver capable of winning contested balls and dominating in the red zone. But general manager Joe Schoen has dismissed that notion, downplaying the need for a WR1 and claiming that anyone who can get open would be a priority. Based on the way the board fell, and assuming the Giants addressed linebacker and defensive line in free agency, they grab the Schoen prototype in Round 1.
Arif Hasan, Pro Football Network
CB Deonte Banks (Maryland)
Another Combine riser cements his spot in the first round with an incredible performance. Banks participated in the explosion and speed drills at the NFL Combine and blew them out of the water.
He’s also been a fantastic shutdown corner on film for Maryland, rarely giving up completions. The agility drills that he opted out of were probably the least necessary for him to complete, given his on-film quickness and mobility. The problem is that he just doesn’t post turnovers, which may make some teams shy away.
Christian D'Andrea, For The Win
WR Quentin Johnston (TCU)
Johnston measured out shorter than his listed 6-foot-4 and didn’t run the 40 or any agility drills. Still, his 40.5-inch vertical leap and 11-foot-2 broad jump showcased the explosiveness that was on display each time TCU took the field last year. He’s capable of hauling in deep balls or taking a short target 60-plus yards after the catch....
The Giants currently have three wideouts under contract: Isaiah Hodgins, Wan’Dale Robinson and Collin Johnson. There’s a limited market for WR help in free agency and adding talent will be a priority in the draft. Johnston may not have impressed at the combine compared to some of his peers, but his stock was high enough to stick around on Day 1 in this overreaction exercise anyway.
