NYG Mock Draft 2.0

We are less than a week away from the 2023 NFL Draft. It’s clear to many the New York Football Giants have many positions to fill. Though some are more important than others, improving this roster regardless is the number one goal for GM Joe Schoen. Welcome to the NYG Mock Draft 2.0, presented by yours truly.

If you haven’t already, check out the 1.0 version here.

This will be a seven-round mock, compared to the first version which was only three rounds.

Pick 25: Jordan Addison, USC

I know, I know. Same pick as the first mock draft. But, I could not let Addison fall further and Daniel Jones needs as many weapons as possible. Forget about his height for a second, and you got yourselves a star WR1 in the making.

Pick 57: Luke Wypler, Ohio State

I chose John Michael Schmitz as the pick in my last mock draft. After all, the Giants have major uncertainty at the center position. The trend continues in this mock but with Wypler instead. His ability to gain leverage and regain it if lost stands out to me with his 6’3″ frame. The 303-pound lineman is going to be just a center in the league, as his frame isn’t fit to shift to guard if needed. His PFF grade of 82.4 was impressive, and allowing just one sack in his college career bodes well for the man standing behind him in Jones.

Pick 89: Jordan Battle, Alabama

The best way to replace Julian Love? Pair a player who knows Xavier McKinney quite well. Battle isn’t crazy athletic. But, the four-year safety is solid, fluid, and rarely out-of-place. Plus, you can put him in the box or as a deep safety. The Alabama safety is reliable, playing in over 800 snaps from 2020-2022. Most importantly, he reunites with his college teammate in McKinney who can teach him the ropes of the Giants’ defense. The man coverage traits of Battle need work, but his physicality should help his case during these situations.

Pick 128: Eli Ricks, Alabama

Keep the ‘Bama boys coming. The Giants need someone who can solidify themself opposite of Adoree’ Jackson at the cornerback position. Look no further than Ricks, whose 6’2″ frame stands out to me. He didn’t play much in 2022 because of his transfer from LSU to the Crimson Tide. However, Ricks stood his ground when he was on the field. Half of his snaps in college were in press coverage, something defensive coordinator Wink Martindale needs in his defense. The cornerback only allowed nine catches in 34 targets during his college career. Keep in mind he played 347 snaps in press. It’s a good ratio if you think about it.

Pick 160: Viliami Fehoko, San Jose State

This selection hits home. After all, I currently attend Fehoko’s alma mater. But, this isn’t why he should be the Giants’ selection in round five. Big Blue needs depth outside of Jihad Ward and Leonard Williams at the edge position. Fehoko would step in perfectly. After all, his 90.9 PFF grade ranks in the top percentile of defensive linemen. Not to mention, he recorded nine sacks in 2022. No one could contain Fehoko in 2022, as he consistently was able to get to the quarterback. His size is not a question mark. You can never have too many pass rushers.

TRADE: NYG SENDS PICK 172, 2024 2ND ROUNDER TO ARZ FOR DEANDRE HOPKINS

Daniel Jones needs as many weapons as possible. You have Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell, Sterling Shepard, Isaiah Hodgins, Wan’Dale Robinson, and first-rounder Jordan Addison. To me, this group still could use another piece. This is where DeAndre Hopkins comes in. Despite his inability to stay on the field much in 2021 and 2022, let’s not forget the damage he can do when he’s on the field. Fully healthy in 2020, he racked up 115 catches for 1407 yards and six touchdowns. Even though he played in just 10 games in 2021, Hopkins still had eight touchdown receptions. 2022 still saw the wideout record 64 catches in nine games, before being shut down in week 17.

The former Clemson product is everything you want in a wide receiver. Size, ability to win in man coverage, and dependability. Yes, Addison can be your WR1. But, you know what’s better? Two potential WR1s. Hopkins and Addison on the outside. Slayton, Campbell or Robinson in the slot. Hodgins and Shepard as depth. This is a low-risk, high-reward trade. If Hopkins can stay healthy, it works out. If not, the wide receiver corps is still very solid. To me, the acquisition of Hopkins makes this offense as dangerous as ever.

Pick 209: Keaton Mitchell, East Carolina

All you need to know about Mitchell? He led the FBS with 31 carries of 15-plus yards according to PFF. That alone tells you he’s quick and agile. The 5’8″ running back is explosive and can serve as the Boston Scott or Tarik Cohen role for New York.

Pick 243: Jonah Tavai, San Diego State

Posting a 92.0 PFF grade, Tavai will serve as depth behind Dexter Lawrence. Tavai’s versaility gives Martindale options as to placing him in the A gap, B gap, over, or outside the tackle.

Pick 254: Troy Brown, Ole Miss

Despite the Giants’ acquisition of Bobby Okereke, they could use depth at the linebacker position. Enter Brown, who recorded 74 tackles in 2022. The team needs someone who can cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. Why not Brown, who is capable of playing in coverage. His skills aren’t perfect, but give him some time to develop and he will be solid.

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