New York Giants mock draft 2023: Bolstering the defense for a run at NFC East title

Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

After a surprisingly strong showing for the New York Giants in 2022, Big Blue has a chance of turning heads again next season if they can make some savvy moves in the 2023 NFL Draft.

April will bring the second draft in the era of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. The duo had a few selections last year — like Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal — that were key contributors to the team last season. However, they also had the benefit of a pair of top-10 picks to more easily find long-term linchpins on offense and defense.

Related: 2023 NFL Mock draft for every pick in Round 1

After going 9-7-1 and winning a game in the playoffs last season, the New York Giants’ brain trust will have to make heavy use of their scouting department as they make sections with the other playoff teams toward the back of each round.

Despite their success last season, the team still has several needs — especially on defense — that have to be addressed through the 2023 NFL Draft. With that in mind, let’s take a look at where the Giants pick this year, their holes, and the potential prospects they could take with their 10 selections.

New York Giants draft picks 2023

Here are the Giants’ draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

New York Giants draft needs 2023

After NFL free agency, here are the Giants’ draft needs entering the 2023 NFL Draft.

New York Giants mock draft

First round, 25th pick: Deonte Banks, CB Maryland

After losing Julian Love in NFL free agency, the New York Giants badly need to make some meaningful additions to their secondary. They have a solid starting point with cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, but if the Philadelphia Eagles proved anything last season, it’s that a strong secondary is an absolute must if you want to win at the highest levels of the NFL.

That is why the organization may break away from the expectation that they will select a wide receiver with their first pick and go after talented Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks. He is a rare four-year player that didn’t get his chance to shine until his senior season. but what makes him a valuable player beyond just his talents is that he is 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, and at cornerback size matters in the NFL.

Along with his good size, he is a fantastic athlete that impressed with his speed at the combine, is great at tracking the ball and route recognition, plus he is good in press coverage with his aggressive style. He is the sort of player the Giants badly need in their secondary.

Second Round, 57th pick: Cedric Tillman, WR Tennessee

Many NFL Draft evaluators have the New York Giants taking Jalin Hyatt with their top pick in the April event. However, after some additions over the last couple of weeks — including trading for tight end Darren Waller — the need is a little less pressing than it was in February.

That is why they could end up using their day-two selection on Hyatt’s teammate Cedric Tillman. He is among the top 10 receivers in this year’s draft but has fallen after missing a lot of time for Tennessee this season. However, in 2021 he posted 64 catches, 1,081 yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns.


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While they may not take a wide receiver in the opening round, they still need to add to their receiver corps. early in the NFL Draft, and Tillman would be a good option available.

Third Round, 89th pick: Dorian Williams, LB Tulane

Like the secondary, the New York Giants entered the offseason needing help in their linebacker room. Signing Bobby Okereke in NFL free agency was a big step in fixing those problems. However, with a defensive style heavy on linebackers and Azeez Ojulari having trouble staying on the field, they need more talent and depth.

That is why Tulane linebacker Dorian Williams could be an option in Round 3. He impressed with his speed and athleticism at the combines and posted strong numbers in four seasons with the Green Wave. Tallying 316 total tackles (195 solo), 27 tackles for loss, 9.5 total sacks, 13 passes defended, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He was also strong against the pass during his career making him a well-rounded talent and could be a steal if he is still there at pick 89.

Fourth Round, 128th pick: Jordan Battle, S Alabama

The New York Giants will continue their run on defensive players into the fourth round and pick 128. This time around they go secondary again to go after Alabama star Jordan Battle to try and fill the hole left by Julian Love.

He consistently got better each season with the Crimson Tide and peaked with an 85-tackle season and earned third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-SEC honors in 2021. However, he played two fewer games in 2022 and his numbers suffered for it. And he is battle-tested (get it?) after playing in the best conference in the nation against elite schools for years and would be a good fit in the Giants’ secondary.

New York Giants 7-round mock draft

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