The New York Giants have made some moves this offseason to instill a sense of optimism regarding the team’s future offensively. A mere year ago, the team declined to exercise quarterback Daniel Jones’ fifth-year option, and now the franchise has committed to Jones with a lucrative 4-year, $160 million contract to remain in New York.
How have the Giants continue to surround Jones with the talent he needs to succeed?
Because of the lack of available talented wide receivers in free agency this offseason, the Giants made a surprising move to trade for veteran tight end Darren Waller. This move gives Jones a much needed vertical threat in the passing game. But is that enough?
Luckily for the Giants, running back Saquon Barkley is coming off a strong season where he was able to play his first full season since his rookie year in 2018. But can they rely on him to do the same? Trading for Waller may not be enough to fall back on if Barkley were to miss a few games.
This article will present predictions for the New York Giants’ first three picks in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday.
Round 1: No. 25 – WR Jordan Addison, USC
One of the key reasons why Addison could be the best pick for the Giants is his versatility. Addison’s impressive route running and catch range make him a strong fit within the Giants’ wide receiver room. He has the ability to operate smoothly anywhere on the field, whether it’s out wide, in the slot or even returning punts.
He was the winner of the Biletnikoff Award in 2021 after recording 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns at Pittsburgh, before transferring to USC where he posted 59 catches for 875 yards and eight touchdowns, despite missing three games with an ankle injury last season.
Addison’s ability to stay on the field and consistently produce is another factor that makes him an attractive pick for the Giants. His usage at Pittsburgh proved that he can handle a heavy workload, averaging eight receptions per game in just his sophomore season. This is especially important for the Giants, who need a reliable receiver to complement running back Saquon Barkley and Waller.
Although reports suggest that the Giants may prioritize selecting a cornerback in the draft, the lack of production from the receiving room throughout previous seasons makes it a more important area to address. In 2022, the Giants ranked 26th in the NFL with an average of 187 passing yards per game. Despite making the playoffs, the team averaged one less passing yard than they did in 2021, where they finished 31st in the league.
Round 2: No. 57 – CB Eli Ricks, Alabama
While Giants fans may initially have some doubts about selecting another cornerback named Eli, let it be known that Ricks is a completely different player. Ricks is a physical and athletic corner who has shown flashes of elite talent during his college career, and he could be the perfect addition to the Giants’ secondary.
In his freshman season at LSU in 2020, Ricks recorded four interceptions and four pass breakups. Despite an injury-shortened sophomore season, Ricks was still named to the watch list for the Nagurski Trophy in 2022, which goes to the top defensive player in college football. After his sophomore season, Ricks transferred to Alabama. In 2022, he forced five pass breakups and gave up an elite QB rating when targeted of 41.8.
As a press coverage corner, Ricks has a remarkable ability to disrupt receivers and throw them off their routes, making him an incredibly productive player on the field. However, his lack of elite speed can sometimes hinder his ability to keep up with the fastest receivers downfield. Additionally, Ricks is still relatively inexperienced, with just over 1200 snaps under his belt during his college career.
While he is raw and has some weaknesses, he possesses a physical and athletic skill set that could make him an excellent addition to the New York Giants’ secondary. If the Giants select him in the second round, they could be getting a player who can help them immediately and develop into a top-tier corner in the future.
Round 3: No. 89 – C Olusegun Oluwatimi, Michigan
The New York Giants have had their fair share of struggles on the offensive line, with the center position being a particular area of concern in recent years. After losing both Nick Gates and Jon Feliciano in free agency, the team has to find a solution at some point this offseason.
Fortunately, the 2023 NFL draft presents an opportunity for the Giants to address this need by selecting Michigan center Olusegun Oluwatimi in the third round. He was awarded the Outland Trophy in 2022, which is given to the best interior lineman in college football, and he also received the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the outstanding center at the collegiate level.
While there are some options on the roster to fill the void the Giants have at center, including 2020 fourth-round pick Ben Bredeson and fellow three-year pro Shane Lemieux, neither has the track record at center to match Oluwatimi. He has started 49 games at center for Michigan, and has dominated in the run game throughout his career.
He has the physical tools and intangibles that the Giants need at center, and he has shown that he can dominate against good competition in the Big Ten Conference. If Oluwatimi is available in the third round of the draft, the Giants should not hesitate to select him.