The New York Giants made a surprise postseason run in 2022. Under first-year head coach Brian Daboll, the team made significant improvement. Quarterback Daniel Jones took a big step forward and was rewarded with a big-time contract. Saquon Barkley stayed healthy and had a year reminding everyone why he was such a highly touted prospect.
New York looks to take another step forward to having one of the better offenses in the NFL. Their defense, meanwhile, was strong and looks to be stronger in 2023. They could end up with one of the best defenses in the NFL, spending another year in Wink Martindale’s system. Here’s how their 2023 roster was built.
How the New York Giants Were Built Through the Draft
The Giants made seven draft picks in 2023. They entered the draft with several important holes on the roster in need of filling if they were going to stay a playoff contender. Cornerback, interior offensive line, and wide receiver were all in need of an upgrade.
The Giants wasted no time in filling maybe the most important of those holes when they drafted Deonte Banks in Round 1. The Maryland CB was one of the top-rated cornerbacks in the entire draft. He’s thought to be a perfect fit for Martindale’s system. Banks is a perfect fit and will fill the void the team currently has at the position.
The very next round, New York filled their next biggest hole by drafting Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz. If centers were deemed worthy of first-round picks, Schmitz would have been one. Thus, getting him at pick 57, given the size of the need the Giants had, is incredible value for them.
MORE: New York Giants 2023 NFL Schedule
Again, in Round 3, the Giants got incredible value by filling their third remaining hole with Jalin Hyatt at pick 73. The Tennessee WR had late buzz from the scouting community as perhaps a late first-round pick. The way the board fell, that never materialized, and the Giants were able to swoop in and get him on Day 2.
Hyatt will provide the type of speed this offense lacked in 2022. He has to prove he can be an all-around receiver, but his speed will be helpful on Day 1.
How the New York Giants Were Built Through Free Agency/Waiver
The Giants made significant signings in free agency to build out their 2023 roster. Most notably to the WR room, for obvious reasons.
New York added Parris Cambell and Jamison Crowder — receivers who have spent significant time in the slot during their careers. Both have been valuable role players at their previous stops and will bring leadership along with a veteran presence to the room.
The Giants also needed an upgrade at linebacker and did so by signing Bobby Okereke away from the Indianapolis Colts. Okereke was a key part of Matt Eberflus’ defense when he was the coordinator in Indy. He has good play speed and is typically in the right place at the right time. The defense needed to address its ability to limit opponent rushing yards, and he should be an asset there.
Giants free agent 2023 additions:
- WR Parris Campbell
- ILB Bobby Okereke
- CB Leonard Johnson
- WR Jamison Crowder
- CB Amani Oruwariye
- DL A’Shawn Robinson
How the New York Giants Were Built Through Trades
The Giants made no trades to improve the roster for the 2023 season and instead opted to build it organically without giving up resources. Yet, this doesn’t preclude them from making a trade to fill an unexpected area of weakness.
As training camp and offseason work begins, injuries are an unfortunate part of the game. With the Giants fully entrenched as contenders, a team in that position often would rather fill that hole with a proven veteran if one becomes available.
MORE: New York Giants 2023 Season Preview
Wide receiver is an area on the team that could still be upgraded via trade. The Giants still do not have a clear-cut No. 1 guy. Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins is potentially still available and would make an interesting trade target for New York if they determine their WR room is in need of further upgrade.