The New York Giants finished the 2023 regular season with a record of 6-11 which was a far cry from their playoff appearance (and single playoff win) a year ago.
Despite the regression, there were quite a few bright spots that deserved recognition.
While the NFL announces its official awards at a later date, we’ll be discussing who deserves the MVP, Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year awards for the Giants in 2023.
MVP: NT Dexter Lawrence (6)
Unsurprisingly, nose tackle Dexter Lawrence was a unanimous decision for this award. And how could he not be? He was far and away the Giants’ best player this season, grading out No. 1 among all interior defenders in the NFL. He was named to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games and named an NFLPA First Team All-Pro.
Others receiving votes: N/A
Offensive Player of the Year: WR Darius Slayton (4)
There wasn’t a whole lot to choose from offensively but if you wanted to find a bright spot, look no further than the always-consistent Darius Slayton. He led the team with 50 receptions for 770 yards, four touchdowns, and 11 big plays (20+ yards). He also averaged 15.4 yards per reception which was among the best in football.
Others receiving votes: RB Saquon Barkley (1), OL Andrew Thomas (1)
Defensive Player of the Year: LB Bobby Okereke (4)
If not for Lawrence, linebacker Bobby Okereke may have been named the team MVP. Instead, he earns the Giants Wire Defensive Player of the Year after recording 149 tackles (92 solo, 11 for a loss), four forced fumbles, six QB hits, 2.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, and two interceptions.
Others receiving votes: S Xavier McKinney (1), LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (1)
Comeback Player of the Year: WR Wan'Dale Robinson (6)
Another unanimous decision here. There wasn’t much competition but even if there had been, Wan’Dale Robinson’s early return from an ACL tear was impressive enough, and then went off during the second half of the season. The further removed he got from his injury, the more athletic and game-changing he appeared. Robinson has a bright future.
Others receiving votes: N/A
Most Improved Player: LB Micah McFadden (3)
Linebacker Micah McFadden had a rough three-week stretch near the end of the season before closing things out with a bang in Week 18. But that three-game lull aside, he played exceptionally well this year alongside Okereke and made greater strides from 2022 to 2023 than any other player on the roster. The now-departed Wilkins brothers did an excellent job with his development.
Others receiving votes: S Xavier McKinney (2), LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (1)
Rookie of the Year: CB Deonte Banks (5)
Truth be told, the 2023 draft class was quite underwhelming. No one even warranted legitimate consideration outside of cornerback Deonte Banks and wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, with Banks getting the nod for some impressive performances early and some solid ones late. He held his own relatively well for a rookie thrust into a starting job and has a bright future.
Others receiving votes: WR Jalin Hyatt (1)
Surprise of the Year: QB Tommy DeVito (3)
There was significant debate over who this award should go to but it had to be rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito. Although his time as the starter burned hot and fast, there was a brief moment when he took the entire football world by storm and led the Giants to their only multi-game winning streak of the season. Who saw it coming? Absolutely no one.
Others receiving votes: LB Bobby Okereke (1), LB Micah McFadden (1), S Jason Pinnock (1)
