The 2023 NFL draft is now less than a month away and with free agency all but over, the remaining needs of all 32 teams have become clear.
For the New York Giants, they must still address their cornerback situation while adding bodies along the offensive line and providing depth at wide receiver, linebacker, and running back.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid recently released his seven-round mock draft and had the Giants doing all of those things. Let’s take a look.
No. 25: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Despite adding and re-signing several wide receivers in free agency, Reid sees the Giantas going with Boston College’s Zay Flowers in Round 1.
The Giants have committed this offseason to adding pass-catchers around quarterback Daniel Jones, who got a four-year extension in early March. Tight end Darren Waller was a high-profile trade target, but Flowers would be an explosive addition as well. Although he’s not very big — 5-9, 182 pounds — he’s capable of making plays from the slot and on the outside. He has the strength profile, run-after-reception ability and catch radius to be a creative player in coach Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka’s offense. Flowers not only has alignment versatility but also is a sudden-change player who can completely alter the outlook of games in one play. New York lacked those types of players on the outside a season ago.
No. 57: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
The Giants will enter April’s draft will a clear need at cornerback. They are lacking a solid presence alongside Adoree’ Jackson, who himself will become a free agent in 2024.
As a result, Reid has Big Blue taking Mississippi State’s Emmanuel Forbes in Round 2.
The Giants had just six interceptions last season, tied for the worst total in the league. With 14 career interceptions — including an SEC-record six pick-sixes — Forbes is the exact type of defender the Giants’ secondary lacks. A predominantly Cover 1 scheme corner, Forbes has the speed and quickness to translate in Wink Martindale’s aggressive defense.
No. 89: Olusegun Oluwatimi, IOL, Michigan
Next up, the Giants select Michigan center Olusegun Oluwatimi, who replaces Nick Gates and Jon Feliciano.
The center spot has been a revolving door for the Giants since the glory days of Weston Richburg. 6-foot-2, 309-pound Oluwatimi has the strength and experience to step in and be a Day 1 starter.
Remaining picks
Over the Giants’ next seven picks, Reid sees them addressing several remaining areas of need and adding quality depth along the offensive and defensive lines.
128. New York Giants: Chandler Zavala, IOL, NC State
160. New York Giants: Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
172. New York Giants*: Yasir Abdullah, Edge, Louisville
209. New York Giants (from KC): P.J. Mustipher, IDL, Penn State
240. New York Giants (from BAL): Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio State
243. New York Giants: Marte Mapu, S/LB, Sacramento State
254. New York Giants*: Lonnie Phelps, Edge, Kansas
