The 2023 NFL draft will be here in no time and it’s never too early to start the mock draft exercises.
I’ve been covering the NFL draft for 25 years and have fared just as well in mock drafts as the self-proclaimed experts.
Over the years, the New York Giants have perplexed me. George Young was unpredictable, drafting Hall of Famers and colossal busts at an equal rate. Ernie Accorsi had more overall success than any Giants GM and Jerry Reese drafted some of the franchise’s best players but his drafts lacked depth.
Then there was Dave Gettleman, an analog mind in a digital world. His first-rounders have largely panned out but, like Reese, had very few Day 2 and 3 hits.
Joe Schoen’s record is still incomplete, but he’s off to a decent start in my book.
Here’s how he can build on last year’s class in the first three rounds this year.
Round 1
The Giants hold the 25th overall selection. In utilizing Pro Football Network’s draft simulator, this is what I encountered.
I have two trade offers on the table. Kansas City wants to trade me the 30th and the 62nd overall picks for Nos. 25 and 128. Houston is offering Nos. 33 and 65 for Nos. 25 and 162.
With no standout on the board at a position I’m looking for, I take the Chiefs’ deal and move down to 30 and grab that early third-rounder.
At No. 30, I reject three offers to trade out of the first round but in looking back, I see that two of my top draft targets — Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence and Oregon inside linebacker Noah Sewell — were gobbled up.
I selected Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon, much to the dismay of Giant fans. But the 6-foot, 185-pound Witherspoon has drawn comparisons to Sauce Gardner and if you don’t think the Giants need a corner across from Adoree’ Jackson, you haven’t been paying attention.
Round 2
At No. 58, I turn down two trade offers, stay put and select Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz. He’s 6-foot-4, 320 pounds and is a natural center.
In reality, Schmitz will likely be off the board before I’m on the clock. But there he was, so he’s a Giant. Schmitz gives the Giants a natural center in which they can finally set their offensive line up properly and not keep inserting stopgap solutions.
I love mismatches. That’s why I jumped all over 6-foot-7 Georgia tight end Darnell Washington with the 62nd selection (obtained with the previous trade). This kid is going to give NFL secondaries nightmares and be a force in the red/end zone.
Round 3
At No. 89, I grab Virginia wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks, a 6-foot-2, 205-pounder with a versatile resume. Wicks opened eyes at the Senior Bowl, showing his solid work ethic and superior skill set.
With the 102nd pick, I selected Texas inside linebacker/box safety Demarvion Overshown. He’s 6-foot-2, 220 pounds and can play in multiple sets, which is right up defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s alley.
Recap
So, before I get to Day 3 and pick up a few steals, I’ve already addressed several key areas.
I grabbed a solid cover corner in Witherspoon, a franchise center in Schmitz, weapons in the passing game in Washington and Wicks, and a versatile inside presence on defense in Overshown.
