New York Giants (Last Year: 9-7-1)
2023 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
WR Parris Campbell, WR Jamison Crowder, WR Jeff Smith, TE Darren Waller, TE Tommy Sweeney, DT A’Shawn Robinson, DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches, LB Bobby Okereke, CB Amani Oruwaryie, S Bobby McCain.
Early Draft Picks:
CB Deonte Banks, C John Michael Schmitz, WR Jalin Hyatt, RB Eric Gray. Giants Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
WR Richie James, WR Kenny Golladay, G Nick Gates, C Jon Feliciano, LB Jaylon Smith, CB Fabian Moreau, S Julian Love.
2023 New York Giants Offense:
Football players and coaches typically don’t like to make excuses, but Daniel Jones never had a fair chance with the Giants, at least prior to 2022. Jones was always paired with a poor coaching staff and a miserable offensive line ever since he was drafted. Making matters worse, he lost Saquon Barkley to a torn ACL during the second week of his sophomore campaign. Barkley wasn’t 100 percent upon his return in 2021, so with that being paired with the miserable blocking, Jones was set up for failure.
Everything changed in 2022. Jones was finally paired with a sharp coach in the wake of the Brian Daboll hire. Jones was also given time in the pocket for the first time in his career, as New York’s blocking, while not elite, was good enough to allow the team to compete. One of the primary catalysts for this was the development of left tackle Andrew Thomas. The former No. 4 overall pick struggled as a rookie, then played much better in his second season. He made another big leap last year, becoming one of the top blind-side protectors in the NFL. The Giants will be hoping for similar progression from right tackle Evan Neal, who was woeful as a first-round rookie.
The Giants also signed a couple of blockers last offseason to improve the blocking, as Mark Glowinski and Jon Feliciano were acquired via free agency. Both performed well, especially Glowinski. Feliciano is gone, but the Giants used a second-round pick on replacement John Michael Schmitz to be the new center. Glowinski will reprise his role at right guard. The other guard spot will likely be occupied by 2022 third-rounder Josh Ezeudu, who didn’t play much as a rookie.
Meanwhile, Barkley will be healthy once again. There was a stark contrast between his play in 2021 and 2022, as Barkley saw his rushing yardage spike from 593 to 1,312. He also caught 16 more passes and scored six more times. With the offensive line likely to be even better this upcoming season, it’s possible that Barkley could have his best year yet.
Jones will continue to rely heavily on Barkley because the receiving corps, while looking better this season, still figures to be the weak point of the offense. Jones had to lean on the trio of Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins and Richie James during the playoffs last year, which was far from ideal. Slayton and Hodgins are still on the roster, but they could be playing behind Wan’Dale Robinson and Sterling Shepard, both of whom will be returning from injury, as well as Parris Campbell, who was signed over from the Colts, and Jalin Hyatt, a speedy threat who was chosen in the third round of April’s draft. There’s also Darren Waller, who will be a big upgrade at tight end after being acquired this offseason.
2023 New York Giants Defense:
Though the Giants made the playoffs last year, they surrendered 1.6 more points per game than they scored. Their defense had some holes, ranking 18th against the pass and 30th versus the run.
The rush defense ranking is surprising because the Giants have some talented defensive linemen. Dexter Lawrence is one of the top players at his position, as he thrives both in run support and pass rush. He and Leonard Williams form an incredible duo, though the Giants lacked depth beyond them. This would explain why they signed Rakeem Nunez-Roches and A’Shawn Robinson. Neither is a great player by any stretch of the imagination, but both are quality rotational pieces who will help keep Lawrence and Williams fresh.
While Lawrence and Williams are great, the complete opposite can be said of the Giants’ linebacker play last year. This was a huge liability, as it would explain why New York was so miserable when it came to stopping the run. The Giants made one key move in this department, signing Bobby Okereke away from the Colts. Okereke is a solid player who thrives in run support and can also perform somewhat well in coverage. New York still doesn’t have much else at the position, however, so the coaching staff will be hoping that some young players like Micah McFadden and Darrian Beavers – late-round picks from 2022 – can develop in their second years.
Speaking of second-year players, the Giants will be counting on Kayvon Thibodeaux to take the next step. The No. 5 overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft had a solid rookie campaign, but needs to become a dominant player to help the Giants improve versus aerial attacks. He and Azeez Ojulari, who had 5.5 sacks in seven games last year, figure to improve their pass-rushing ability, which will allow the coaching staff to call fewer blitzes. No team blitzed more than the Giants did in 2022.
Having a steadier pass rush from the starting edge players will ease pressure off a cornerback group that received an injection of talent via the 2023 NFL Draft. The Giants selected Deonte Banks to serve as a potential upgrade at corner, though Banks is a raw player at the moment. He certainly has upside, but may not be ready to perform well right away. This is not ideal for the Giants, who have question marks at the position outside of Adoree Jackson. New York will be hoping that Cordale Flott, a third-round pick from last year, can prove himself as a capable starter after a limited, but mediocre showing this past season. Ideally, Flott would start across from Banks, allowing Jackson to be in the slot. As it stands now, however, the ineffective Darnay Holmes is slated to be the team’s slot corner.
New York had a change at safety as well. The team lost Julian Love to free agency, forcing a replacement with Bobby McCain, who isn’t as good. Xavier McKinney, a recent second-round pick, will be the other starter. McKinney isn’t coming off a positive season, but has the ability to perform at a higher level.
2023 New York Giants Schedule and Intangibles:
Graham Gano had an excellent kicking season for the Giants. He was 29-of-32, which includes 8-of-9 from 50-plus.
Jamie Gillan didn’t have a good net punting average last year, but did well to pin the opposition inside the 20.
The Giants have a mixed schedule. While they have to take on the 49ers, Bills, Jets, and Dolphins, they also get to beat up on the Rams, Cardinals, Raiders, and Saints.
2023 New York Giants Rookies:
Go here for the Giants Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2023 New York Giants Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
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2023 New York Giants Analysis: The Giants reached the playoffs as the No. 6 seed last year. They overachieved, as indicated by their negative point differential. Some regression would normally be expected, but New York improved its roster enough that it could finish similarly compared to last year’s results.
Projection: 9-8 (3rd in NFC East)
2022 Projection: 5-12. 2022 Actual Result: 9-7-1.
2021 Projection: 7-10. 2021 Actual Result: 4-13.
2020 Projection: 11-5. 2020 Actual Result: 6-10.
2019 Projection: 5-11. 2019 Actual Result: 4-12.
2018 Projection: 6-10. 2018 Actual Result: 5-11.
2017 Projection: 7-9. 2017 Actual Result: 3-13. =
2016 Projection: 7-9. 2016 Actual Result: 11-5.
NFL Draft Team Grade: B+ Grade
Goals Entering the 2023 NFL Draft: The Giants are dying for one of the top four receivers to fall to them at No. 25. That’s unlikely to happen, so they may have to trade up. If they don’t, they can settle on a back-seven player and one of the lesser wideouts in the second round. They also must improve their mediocre offensive line.
2023 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The poor Giants saw all four receivers go off the board just directly in front of them. This must have been heartbreaking for them, yet they still were eager to trade up for Deonte Banks. The talented cornerback is raw, however, so he may not fill the need right away.
A disappointing first round gave way to a terrific second day. John Michael Schmitz figures to be a huge improvement at center, while Jalin Hyatt was a steal in the third round. Hyatt was arguably the fifth-best receiver prospect, so it’s shocking that the Giants were able to land him at No. 73.
The Giants made seven selections in total, and all of them scored a B- or higher. Two of the seven choices were graded as an A+ or an “A.” This was a successful draft overall for New York, despite what transpired with the first-round receivers.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
24. Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland – B- Grade
I’m surprised the Jaguars didn’t draft Deonte Banks, as the Giants moved into this spot and took him. Banks certainly fills a big need for the Giants, who didn’t replace James Bradberry last offseason. However, I think this is a bit too early for him. I mocked him in this area, but I thought he should have gone in the second round because he’s a raw prospect.
57. John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota – A Grade
I’m shocked the Giants didn’t draft a receiver, given their huge need at the position. Then again, they also had a huge need at center, and John Michael Schmitz is someone who could have been drafted 15-20 picks earlier than this. I love the value and need fill.
73. Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee – A+ Grade
I can’t wait to hear from Charlie Campbell about why Jalin Hyatt fell so far. Hyatt is a somewhat poor man’s DeVonta Smith, so he should have gone much earlier than this. I wouldn’t have hated it had he been chosen late in the opening round. Hyatt is going to fill a huge need.
172. Eric Gray, RB, Oklahoma – B+ Grade
I mocked Eric Gray nine picks earlier than this, so he makes sense as a fifth-round pick. The Giants needed someone like him, as they didn’t have much behind Saquon Barkley. Gray has quality receiving skills.
209. Tre Hawkins, CB, Old Dominion – B Grade
Tre Hawkins was a combine snub, but he made up for it with a great pro day workout to help him get drafted. He’s a big cornerback with some potential. This is a solid pick for the Giants, who needed a cornerback.
243. Jordon Riley, NT, Oregon – B Grade
Jordon Riley is a massive 340-pound nose tackle. He showed some surprising agility at his pro day, but keeping his weight under control will be an issue. He’s worth a shot here in the seventh round.
254. Gervarrius Owens, S, Houston – B- Grade
Gervarrius Owens has decent athleticism and size for a safety. However, he’s very raw and lacks instincts, which is not good for a safety.
Season Summary:
The Giants were quite the surprise last year. No one expected them to make the playoffs, yet they earned the No. 6 seed and also upset the Vikings. However, they were demolished in Philadelphia in the following round, indicating that the Giants still have a long way to go.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Wide Receivers: New York’s receiving corps was a disaster last year. Making matters worse, Richie James and Darius Slayton have expiring contracts. The Giants need to revamp their entire receiving corps. Signed Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder; re-signed Darius Slayton
- Two Linebackers: There’s no doubt that the Giants must upgrade their dreadful linebacking corps. One linebacker will be needed if Jaylon Smith is re-signed. But even if he is, a stud player is needed at the position. Signed Bobby Okereke
- Cornerback: New York has to bolster its secondary as well. The cornerback position was a major weakness outside of Adoree Jackson. Signed Amani Oruwariye
- Guard: The Giants did a great job of bolstering the offensive line last offseason, but one more upgrade is needed at guard.
- Edge Rusher: New York had the highest blitz rate in the NFL in 2022. A better edge rusher is needed across from Kayvon Thibodeaux so the Giants won’t have to blitz as often.
- Quarterback: Daniel Jones is set to hit free agency. I imagine he’ll be franchise tagged. Re-signed Daniel Jones
- Running Back: Saquon Barkley is a major free agent who will need to be re-signed.
- Center: Jon Feliciano has an expiring contract as well. He must be re-signed or replaced.
- Safety: Julian Love is another player who should be retained before free agency begins. Signed Bobby McCain
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2023 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Bobby Okereke, LB, Colts. Age: 27. 
Signed with Giants (4 years, $40 million)
Bobby Okereke is coming off his best season, thriving most when it came to defending the run.
- Parris Campbell, WR, Colts. Age: 26. — Signed with Giants
- A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Rams. Age: 28. — Signed with Giants
- Jamison Crowder, WR, Bills. Age: 30. — Signed wiih Giants
- Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT, Buccaneers. Age: 30. — Signed with Giants
- Bobby McCain, S, Redskins. Age: 30. — Signed with Giants (1 year)
- Amani Oruwariye, CB, Lions. Age: 27. — Signed with Giants
- Tommy Sweeney, TE, Bills. Age: 28. — Signed with Giants
New York Giants Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants. Age: 26.
Franchised by Giants
Saquon Barkley tore his ACL in 2020 and struggled to recover from that injury the following year. Barkley was finally back to 100 percent this past season. He was incredible, though his durability is still a question mark.
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Daniel Jones, QB, Giants. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Giants (4 years, $160 million)
Daniel Jones got lots of flak for his loss to the Eagles in the playoffs, but many were quick to forget that his receiving corps was in shambles. For most of the year, Jones did a great job of limiting turnovers and also using his legs to make big plays.
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Richie James, WR, Giants. Age: 27.
Signed with Chiefs
Richie James wasn’t really the No. 1 receiver last year because he played in the slot, but he was the best-performing receiver all last year. James had some high-reception games, especially against the Eagles on two occasions.
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Jon Feliciano, C/G, Giants. Age: 31.
Signed with 49ers (1 year)
Jon Feliciano was a nice signing for the Giants last offseason, as he helped bolster Daniel Jones’ pass protection. Feliciano is solid, but unspectacular, though he can play both center and guard.
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Jaylon Smith, LB, Giants. Age: 29.
Jaylon Smith was a nice addition to the Giants in October. Linebacker was a big position of weakness, and Smith turned out to be a well-rounded player for New York.
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Julian Love, S, Giants. Age: 25.
Signed with Seahawks (2 years, $12 million)
Julian Love had some down years earlier in his career, but made some big improvements to his game this past season.
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Darius Slayton, WR, Giants. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Giants
Darius Slayton seemed left for dead at the beginning of the year, but he stepped in for some injured players in the middle of the season and did well as the team’s No. 1 receiver down the stretch.
- Fabian Moreau, CB, Giants. Age: 29.
- Oshane Ximines, DE/OLB, Giants. Age: 26. — Re-signed with Giants
- Kenny Golladay, WR, Giants. Age: 29.
- Nick Gates, G, Giants. Age: 27. — Signed with Redskins
- Jihad Ward, DT, Giants. Age: 29. — Re-signed with Giants
- Marcus Johnson, WR, Giants. Age: 29.
- Nick Williams, DT, Giants. Age: 33. — Signed with Chargers
- Nick Vannett, TE, Giants. Age: 30.
- Justin Ellis, NT, Giants. Age: 32.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
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