The New York Giants select Houston Cougars safety Gervarrius Owens in Round 7 of the 2023 NFL Draft with the No. 254 overall pick.

In 2022, as a senior, Owens played 11 games and logged 720 snaps. He recorded 60 tackles, 11 assists, and 11 stops. In coverage, he had 6 pass breakups, one interception, and allowed a QB rating of 102.8 when targeted.

Safety & cornerback skills.

Owens, originally a cornerback now playing safety, is still developing and requires strong coaching. Despite this, he received a fourth-round grade, making him a valuable pick for the Giants in the seventh round.

The Giants are short on safeties after losing Julian Love in free agency. They needed to add some developmental depth to the secondary, and Owens fits that need.

In the seventh round, the Giants are betting on a highly athletic player with leadership potential. Owens will have a chance to develop in New York’s secondary and contribute on special teams early in his career.

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With the 243rd pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the G-Men selected Oregon defensive lineman Jordon Riley.
Riley started all 13 games for the Ducks in his final season of eligibility. He recorded 21 total tackles (seven solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, and one pass breakup. He registered at least one tackle in 12 of the 13 games, including six games with multiple tackles.

Multiple college stops.

Jordon Riley is a massive interior defensive lineman drafted by the Giants. His college football journey was unique, as he played for four different programs, starting in 2017. With good technique, he is a reliable run defender who could secure a two-down role. However, he needs to improve his consistency from snap to snap.

Riley doesn’t excel as a pass-rusher and lacks explosiveness, but he’s effective at absorbing blocks in the run game, allowing linebackers to make plays. He’s a developmental player who may start on the practice squad. Still, he’ll have the opportunity to learn from Andre Patterson, one of the NFL’s top defensive line coaches.

At Oregon’s Pro Day in March, Jordon Riley ran a 5.28-second 40-yard dash. While that’s not fast for an edge rusher, Riley compensates with his size and strength, standing 6’5″ and weighing 340 pounds.

Riley transferred to Oregon from Nebraska in 2022. He played at Nebraska for two seasons and spent his freshman year at North Carolina.

Conclusion

Given the depth and competition on the roster, it seems like a long shot for Riley to make the team. However, he may be better suited as a practice squad player, where he can continue to develop and contribute.

Giants Draft DL Jordon Riley was written by Bleedbigblue.

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The New York Giants entered the 2023 NFL draft with a clear need at cornerback, both for the 2023 season and for the future. In Round 1, they picked Maryland’s Deonte Banks to pair with Adoree’ Jackson. Later, with the 209th overall pick in Round 6, they selected Tre Hawkins III from Old Dominion.

Hawkins visited the Giants earlier this month and made a strong impression. He’s only the second player from Old Dominion to join the Giants, following linebacker Oshane Ximines, who was drafted in the third round in 2019.

Hawkins is tough, physical, and an exceptional athlete. He scored an impressive 9.82 RAS, ranking among the top 50 cornerbacks ever tested. Standing at 6’2″ and 188 pounds with arms over 32″ long, he recorded a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, a 37.5″ vertical jump, a 10’9″ broad jump, and a fast 6.74-second three-cone drill.

Most late-round draft picks are considered projects, often needing time to develop their skills. However, Hawkins stands out as a player who can contribute immediately. The Giants can put him in specific roles where his strengths, like his physicality and athleticism, can shine, setting him up for success from the start.

Given Hawkins’ impressive athleticism and potential, it wouldn’t surprise me if he gets a fair amount of snaps during the preseason. This period will be crucial for testing his abilities, and if he performs well, it could carry over into a significant role in the regular season. The Giants might find themselves with a valuable contributor in Hawkins, even as a late-round pick.

Giants Draft CB Tre Hawkins was written for bleedbigblue.com

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The New York Giants are optimistic that they’ve found an up-and-coming player in Eric Gray and hope he can be a key contributor to their offense for the next few seasons.

Gray’s College Career and Strengths

Gray showed consistent production early in his Oklahoma career and had an outstanding 2022 season, excelling as both a ball carrier and a pass catcher. He has the size, skill, and versatility to be a productive rotational back in the NFL, with the potential to develop into a starter.

While Gray is a competitive runner, he doesn’t consistently excel in power and contact balance. He also struggles in pass protection, where his processing and anchoring skills are inconsistent. His narrow build raises concerns about his ability to improve in physicality and contact balance. Although he’s a good athlete, he lacks the top-end speed to be considered a true home-run hitter.

Areas for Improvement and NFL Fit

The Giants aimed to bolster their depth at the running back position and accomplished this by selecting Eric Gray in the fifth round. General Manager Joe Schoen informed Saquon Barkley before the draft that they planned to take a running back, ensuring Barkley wouldn’t be caught off guard by the decision.

A player taken with the 172nd overall pick isn’t expected to challenge Barkley, who has yet to sign his $10.1 million franchise tender, as he hopes to secure a long-term deal later this summer.

Conclusions

For the Giants, Gray has the potential to step in as a solid No. 2 running back immediately, with the opportunity to develop into a starting role. His physicality, explosiveness, and pass-catching abilities will be valuable assets to the team benefit our team in hopes for a strong 2023 Draft Class. Gray would thrive in a downhill system that maximizes his strengths between the tackles.

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The New York Giants made a big move in the 2023 NFL Draft. With the 73rd pick in the third round, they selected wide receiver Jalin Hyatt from the Tennessee Volunteers. This pick is exciting for many reasons. Hyatt brings speed, skill, and potential to our roster.

A Speedster Joins the Giants

Hyatt is known for his speed. At Tennessee, he consistently burned defenders with his quickness. His ability to stretch the field will be a game-changer for the Giants. We’ve been longing for a deep-threat receiver. Hyatt fills that void perfectly. His presence will keep defenses honest, opening up opportunities for other players.

Hyatt’s College Success

Hyatt’s college career at Tennessee was impressive. He racked up over 1,200 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in his final season. These stats show he can be a reliable target in crucial moments. He also demonstrated excellent hands and route-running skills. His ability to make big plays in big games is exactly what the Giants need. We need someone who can step up when it matters most. Hyatt has proven he can do just that.

What This Means for the Giants’ Offense

Hyatt’s addition to our roster will change the dynamics of our offense. His speed will open up the playbook for our coaching staff. We can expect more deep passes and explosive plays. This will not only help our passing game but also our running game. Defenses will have to respect Hyatt’s deep-threat ability. This will create more running lanes for our backs.

Having Hyatt on the field will also benefit our other receivers. Defenses will have to focus on him, freeing up opportunities for others. This could lead to breakout seasons for players like Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard. Our offense has the potential to be much more dynamic with Hyatt in the mix.

Conclusion

The Giants’ decision to draft Jalin Hyatt with the 73rd pick is a smart move. His speed, skill, and big-play ability will greatly benefit our team, and the 2023 Draft Class. We can expect a more dynamic and explosive offense this season. Giants fans should be excited about what Hyatt brings to the table. Let’s welcome Jalin Hyatt to New York and get ready for an exciting season!

Giants Draft WR Jalin Hyatt was written by Bleedbigblue.

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As a die-hard Giants fan, I’m buzzing with excitement. With the 57th pick in the 2nd round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the New York Giants Draft OL John Michael Schmitz, an offensive lineman from Minnesota. This move has the potential to significantly strengthen our offensive line. Let’s break down what this means for the Giants.

Strengthening the Offensive Line

The Giants have struggled with offensive line issues for years. Drafting John Michael Schmitz could be a game-changer. Schmitz, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 320 pounds, brings size and strength. His college performance shows he’s a reliable and powerful blocker.

The offensive line is crucial in football. It protects the quarterback and opens lanes for the running game. With Schmitz on board, Daniel Jones should have more time in the pocket. Saquon Barkley could also find more openings to exploit. Schmitz’s addition brings hope for a more solid and consistent offensive line.

A Leader with Experience

John Michael Schmitz isn’t just a big body; he’s also a leader. At Minnesota, he was known for his work ethic and leadership. Schmitz was a team captain and started in numerous games, displaying consistency and reliability. His experience and maturity will be valuable assets to the Giants’ offensive line.

Leadership is vital, especially in a young team. Schmitz can guide his teammates, set the standard, and bring a winning mentality. His presence will be felt both on and off the field. This leadership can be the difference in close games, providing that extra edge the Giants need.

Versatility and Potential

Schmitz offers versatility on the line. He primarily played center in college but has the skills to adapt to other positions. This flexibility gives the Giants options and depth, which is crucial over a long season.

His potential is sky-high. Under the right coaching, Schmitz can develop into a cornerstone of the offensive line. The Giants’ coaching staff, known for nurturing talent, can help him reach his full potential. This pick isn’t just about immediate impact but also about building for the future.

Final Thoughts

Drafting John Michael Schmitz with the 57th pick is a solid move by the Giants. It addresses a key need and brings a player with talent, leadership, and potential. As a Giants fan, I’m optimistic about what Schmitz can bring to the table. Our offensive line just got a lot stronger. Here’s to hoping he becomes a pivotal part of our future success. Go Giants!

Giants Draft OL John Michael Schmitz was written by Bleedbigblue.

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The New York Giants made a solid move in the 2023 NFL Draft. With the 24th pick the Giants Draft CB Deonte Banks. This decision shows the Giants’ commitment to strengthening their defense. Banks is a player with immense potential and impressive skills.

Deonte Banks: A Cornerback with Star Potential

Deonte Banks has all the qualities of a future star. He has speed, agility, and excellent field awareness. These traits make him a perfect fit for the Giants’ defense. During his college career at Maryland, Banks stood out. He consistently made key plays and showed leadership on the field.

His stats at Maryland speak volumes. Banks recorded numerous tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups. His performance against top teams in the Big Ten was remarkable. These experiences have prepared him well for the challenges of the NFL. Giants fans should be excited about what Banks can bring to the team & the 2023 Draft Class.

How Banks Fits into the Giants’ Defense

The Giants needed to bolster their secondary. Deonte Banks is the answer. His addition strengthens the cornerback position significantly. Banks can cover top receivers and make crucial stops. He has the physicality and technique to excel in man-to-man coverage.

Giants’ defensive coordinator Wink Martindale will love Banks’ versatility. Banks can play both outside and slot cornerback positions. This flexibility allows the Giants to mix up their defensive schemes. It gives them an edge against different types of offenses. Banks’ presence will make the Giants’ defense more formidable.

What Fans Can Expect from Deonte Banks

Giants fans can expect big things from Deonte Banks. He has the talent and work ethic to become a key player. Banks will likely face a learning curve in his rookie season. But his natural abilities and dedication will help him adjust quickly.

Fans should look forward to seeing Banks’ development. He has the potential to become a lockdown corner. His ability to read plays and react swiftly is impressive. With proper coaching and support, Banks can become a cornerstone of the Giants’ defense.

Final Thoughts

The Giants made a wise choice by drafting Deonte Banks. His addition to the team is a step in the right direction. Banks brings a combination of talent, determination, and potential. Giants fans have every reason to be optimistic about this pick. As the season progresses, keep an eye on Deonte Banks. He is set to make a significant impact on the field. Go Big Blue!

Giants Draft CB Deonte Banks was written by Bleedbigblue.

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Nonetheless, the Giants and general manager Joe Schoen recognized that the wide receiver position still needed attention. With the 89th overall pick in the third round, Big Blue promptly traded up to the 73rd overall selection, relinquishing the 89th and 128th picks.

The Giants secured the talents of Tennessee’s speedy Jalin Hyatt, a 6-foot, 175-pound receiver with explosive characteristics. Last season, Hyatt participated in 12 games, amassing 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. NFL.com assigned Hyatt a boom-or-bust potential grade, ranking him third among receivers in athleticism score and noting the highest overall score of any receiver at the 2023 Combine.

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The Giants gained a genuine speedster in Jalin Hyatt:

Possessing elite speed and the capacity to outpace defensive backs at the second level, Hyatt perfectly aligns with the Giants’ offensive strategy. Drawing an NFL comparison to DeSean Jackson, the Giants have sought a receiver of this caliber for a considerable period. Although Hyatt occasionally struggles with dropped passes, his potential is immense. He is an immediate WR2 with WR1 upside if he can further develop and address some weaknesses.

Tennessee’s offense constrained Hyatt’s route tree due to their spread system. His lean frame may make him susceptible to more physical corners, but his speed enables him to establish separation. Additionally, his sharp vertical routes will present a significant challenge for opposing defensive coordinators.

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