Russie Rice provides Giants with reliable receiver in Round 1

For many, the first season under Bryan Daball was a success for the New York Giants, but their playoff surrender to the Philadelphia Eagles made it clear they still had a lot of work to do. This Giants NFL Mock Draft will get down to business quickly as the Big Apple’s attention turns to his 2023 NFL Draft.

In this scenario, simulated trades were active between other teams via a mock draft simulator, but the Giants didn’t move consistently.

Latest New York Giants 2023 NFL Mock Draft

WR Lassi Rice, SMU | Round 1, Pick 25

The Giants have several high-profile potential free agents who could ultimately shape their direction in the 2023 NFL Draft. Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones are the headliners, but several starters aren’t guaranteed to play in New York next season.

But right now, wide receivers are projected to be the most needed, with no pass catcher over 750 yards this year, and Barkley the most targeted pass catcher on the team this year. This Giants his mock draft poses a big threat to Big Blue in the passing game.

At 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, SMU WR Russie Rice is big enough to play outside at the NFL level and has some borderline eye-opening grabs during his college football career. I have. Rice also has the speed and elusiveness to add yards after a catch, creating easy separations with deceptive twitchy moves.

C John Michael Schmitz, MN | Round 2, Pick 57

Creed Humphrey and Tyler Linderbaum have shown what an offensive line can do with getting high-level rookie centers. And with John Feliciano hitting free agency, it’s entirely possible that 2023 will have a new guy snapping the ball in New York City.

MORE: John Michael Schmitz is the top interior lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft

Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz could drop out of the first center in April. Schmitz is a bully with prodigious physical abilities, but he also boasts the IQ and technical prowess of trench-handling football, while his 6’4-inch, 320-pound weight compares to him. And his athleticism makes him a dangerous blocker on the move.

CB Deonte Banks, MD | Round 3, Pick 89

But in this Giants NFL Mock Draft, Maryland CB is still on the board, giving New York a game changer in the position they need.

At 6’2″ and 205lbs, Banks boasts smooth movement and dependable tackling ability, yet has the size and length to be a destroyer at catch points.

RB Israel Avanikanda, Pittsburgh | Round 3, Pick 100

Barkley wants to stay with the Giants and there should be a mutual interest in keeping him after the most productive season of his career (5 yards). Even if they did, that shouldn’t keep New York from adding him one more to his 2023 NFL Draft rotation.

MORE: Will the Giants re-sign Squon Barkley?

Pitt’s Israel Avani Kanda poses an explosive rushing threat to New York in this Giants’ mock draft. Avani Kanda’s bursts and long speeds allow him to make yards for fun, and his 5-foot-11-inch, 215-pound frame is built to absorb contact. No, but he’s shown pass-catching ability in his college career, and that should show up in the NFL.

LB Diane Henry, WA | Round 4, Pick 126

The Giants have drafted multiple linebackers over the last few years, but the position is still at the top of their needs. At 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, Washington State’s LB Diane Henry might be considered small in stature, but he’s an explosive downhill threat that hits with dangerous force. Henry also possesses the ball his skill and smoothness of movement to become an influential coverage his player at the NFL level.

TE Zach Kunz, Old Dominion | Round 5, Pick 158

Daniel Bellinger’s rookie campaign has been okay, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Giants added more pieces to their tight end room in April. Zach Kunz is a 6-foot-8-inch, 245-pound pass-catching giant with a great catching radius.

The Old Dominion TE adds competitive toughness and technical nuances as a run blocker, while also boasting incredible athleticism.

WR Jalen Moreno-Cropper, Fresno State | Round 6, Pick 195

Taking WR1 in this Giants NFL Mock Draft, Big Blue will further strengthen their WR room in Round 6. Fresno State WR Jalen Moreno-Cropper has finished his campaign in career and has frequently demonstrated his ability to win routes with his running, excellent body control, catches and strong hands on his points. He is also an extraordinary athlete with versatility.

LB Charlie Thomas, Georgia Tech | Round 7, Pick 219

At 6’2 inches and 207 pounds, this Giants NFL Mock Draft adds another diminutive linebacker to Georgia Tech standout Charlie Thomas. What Thomas lacks in size, however, he makes up for in physical prowess combined with ferocious energy. But he doesn’t just jump in and hope for the best. Thomas’ use of awareness and timing makes him a force at all stages of defense.

QB Tyson Bagent, Shepard | Round 7, Pick 222

Jones described discussions about his contract as “positive,” and the sentiment is very strong that the former first-rounder will return next year. We shouldn’t stop evaluating , and there may be no more interesting evaluation than Shepard QB Tyson Begent.

No quarterback in NCAA history has thrown as many touchdowns as the former West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year. At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, his Bagent is the size of a typical NFL pocket passer, but is also maneuverable enough to get away when the play falls apart.

The 2021 Harlon Hill Award winner can throw from multiple arm angles with speed and arm strength to harass deep thirds and hit the sidelines from far hashes . The Senior Bowl needs to solidify Shepard QB as a genuine prospect.