With 2023 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to get an idea of how 2023 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the New York Giants, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
These insights are an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 500+ page book “2023 Football Preview” which is now available for download.
In the book, you can find a comprehensive breakdown of the rookie class for all 32 NFL teams by draft guru Ryan McCrystal.
Who are the New York Giants rookies?
- Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland | Round 1, Pick 24
- John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota | Round 2, Pick 57
- Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee | Round 3, Pick 73
- Eric Gray, RB, Oklahoma | Round 5, Pick 172
- Tre Hawkins III, CB, Old Dominion | Round 6, Pick 209
- Jordon Riley, DT, Oregon | Round 7, Pick 243
- Gervarrius Owens, S, Houston | Round 7, Pick 254
New York Giants Draft Class Grade:
The Giants received an A+ rookie class draft grade from PFF, an A- from ESPN, and a B from NFL Network.
Which Giants Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The Giants added Deonte Banks (first round) in large part due to the pending free agency of Adoree’ Jackson and Darnay Holmes following the 2023 season. Banks will compete for a starting job this year, but he’s still developing. The Giants likely will not feel pressure to force him into a key role until next year.
The Giants used man coverage at the league’s highest rate in 2022 (41% of coverage snaps). Banks played in man at a decent rate at Maryland (33%) but with mixed results, allowing a 43% completion rate, ranked 15th among outside cornerbacks in the Big Ten.
John Michael Schmitz (second round) should start immediately at center. The 24-year-old has mediocre physical traits and is likely a center-only prospect, but the Giants needed to plug this gap in the offensive line. Minnesota relies almost exclusively on the zone-blocking scheme, so there will be an adjustment for Schmitz. The Giants used a fairly balanced approach last season (58% zone).
The selection of Jalin Hyatt (third round) was mildly surprising given New York’s overabundance of slot receivers. Sterling Shepard, Jamison Crowder, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Parris Campbell are all best suited for the slot. Now Hyatt joins the mix having lined up in the slot on 74% of his targets last year at Tennessee.
The good news is Hyatt won’t be forced into action if he isn’t ready. Tennessee’s offense is built on the foundation of simplicity, and it has been difficult for both quarterbacks and receivers to transition to the league. Due to Hyatt’s remarkably simplistic route tree at Tennessee 一 35% of his targets came on go-routes or screens 一 and the depth New York has in the slot, expectations should be low for his rookie year. The Giants are betting on his traits in hopes he develops down the road.
Eric Gray (fifth round) will likely compete for a job behind Saquan Barkley and Matt Breida. Gray doesn’t have exciting physical traits, but he’s experienced in the passing game (99 career receptions on 128 targets). That experience makes him an ideal third-stringer behind the 28-year-old Breida.
Old Dominion cornerback Tre Hawkins III (sixth round) was a traits-based selection. He ran a 4.40 40-yard dash and has 32-inch arms, giving him an ideal length and speed combination. A disappointing 13% ball-hawk rate in 2022 shows he hasn’t quite figured out how to use his traits to be disruptive in coverage, so he will likely see special teams action only while the Giants attempt to develop his coverage skills.
Jordon Riley (seventh round) is purely a space-eating nose tackle with virtually no movement skills. He generated just seven quarterback pressures and one tackle for loss in 2022. The Giants used Dexter Lawrence as their primary nose tackle last year and signed A’Shawn Robinson this offseason, who also fits best in that role. As a result, Riley has an uphill battle for snaps but could serve as an insurance policy behind those two on the practice squad.
Gervarrius Owens (seventh round) provides depth throughout the secondary. He primarily lined up in a free safety role last year at Houston but also has experience in the box and the slot. Even as a senior, Owens saw significant action on special teams, which enhances the probability of him earning a roster spot. Xavier McKinney is in the final year of his contract, so Owens will have an opportunity to impress the staff and potentially compete for that job in 2024.
The Giants appeared to take a need-based approach to the draft, targeting cornerback, center, and wide receiver with their early picks. They landed players of reasonable value at each spot but traded up for Banks and Hyatt, which significantly suppressed their Day 3 haul. The poor collection of Day 3 prospects leaves little margin for error and puts added pressure on the development of Hyatt and Banks.