How Do Experts Grade The New York Giants' First-Round Draft Choices?

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Post on Apr 25, 2025

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How Do Experts Grade the New York Giants' First-Round Draft Choices? A Deep Dive into the 2023 NFL Draft

The New York Giants surprised many with their aggressive approach to the 2023 NFL Draft, making bold selections that have sparked heated debate amongst analysts and fans alike. Did General Manager Joe Schoen nail his first-round picks, or did he miss the mark? Let's delve into the expert opinions and dissect the grades awarded to the Giants' selections of Deonte Banks and Jalin Hyatt.

Deonte Banks: Cornerback from Maryland

The Giants selected Deonte Banks with the 24th overall pick, a move that initially raised eyebrows. While Banks possesses undeniable athleticism and impressive speed, some questioned whether his experience and overall technique were sufficient for a first-round pick.

• Expert Opinions: While some draft analysts graded the Banks pick as a "B" or "B+", citing his elite athletic traits and potential for growth, others assigned a "C+" or even a "C," highlighting concerns about his consistency and need for refinement in coverage techniques. The consensus seems to lean towards a positive assessment, with most acknowledging the upside, despite the perceived risks. His speed, a crucial asset in today's NFL, is frequently cited as a major positive.

• Strengths: Exceptional speed, impressive agility, and a willingness to tackle. His athletic profile is undeniably enticing.

• Weaknesses: Inconsistent technique, relatively limited experience against top-tier receivers, and potential issues with physicality.

Jalin Hyatt: Wide Receiver from Tennessee

The Giants' second first-round pick, Jalin Hyatt (73rd overall), generated a more uniformly positive response. His blazing speed and big-play ability are undeniable, offering a much-needed vertical threat to the Giants' offense.

• Expert Opinions: Most draft analysts gave Hyatt a solid "A-" or "B+" grade, recognizing his exceptional speed and potential to stretch the field. Concerns about his route-running and ability to consistently win against press coverage are minimal compared to the excitement surrounding his game-breaking speed. His deep-threat capability is considered a huge asset in a modern NFL offense.

• Strengths: Elite speed, exceptional deep-ball catching ability, and a knack for explosive plays.

• Weaknesses: Needs refinement in route running and consistency against physical cornerbacks. His production against top-level competition is a point of discussion.

Overall Grade for the Giants' First Round:

The overall grade for the Giants' first-round picks is a subject of ongoing debate. While some analysts commend the team's bold strategy in addressing clear needs with high-upside players, others remain cautious, questioning the risk associated with selecting players with some technical flaws.

A balanced perspective suggests a B+ or A- grade overall for the Giants' first round performance. The potential for both players is immense, but their development will determine the ultimate success of these picks. The Giants clearly prioritized speed and athleticism, a strategy that reflects the current trends in the NFL. Only time will tell if this strategy pays off.

Conclusion:

The New York Giants' 2023 first-round draft picks are a fascinating case study in risk versus reward. The selections of Deonte Banks and Jalin Hyatt reflect a clear commitment to enhancing the team's speed and explosiveness. While the grades vary across analysts, the overall consensus suggests the Giants made respectable choices with considerable upside, provided coaching staff can effectively develop their raw talent. The coming seasons will be critical in determining whether these picks ultimately proved to be shrewd moves or calculated gambles.