NFL Media Coverage of the 2023 NFL Draft Reaches Fever Pitch
With the 2023 NFL Draft fast approaching, NFL media coverage is intensifying. Fans eagerly await news of potential picks and strategies for improving team performance. One such team is the New York Giants, who have their sights set on adding more passcatchers around quarterback Daniel Jones.
Potential Wide Receiver Picks and Secondary Additions for the Giants
Jordan Reid’s seven-round mock draft includes Boston College’s Zay Flowers as a potential selection for the Giants’ wide receiver pick. Emmanuel Forbes from Mississippi State is also identified by Reid as a possible addition to fix the Giant’s secondary’s lack of interceptions.
Olusegun Oluwatimi from Michigan as a Center Option
Reid suggests Olusegun Oluwatimi from Michigan as a center option that could enhance the Giant’s diverse running game. The Giants’ recent loss of both Nick Gates and Jon Feliciano through free agency has increased their need for a competent center in the upcoming draft.
Other Players Identified by Reid for the Giants
Chandler Zavala (iOL, NC State), Chase Brown (RB, Illinois), Yasir Abdullah (EDGE, Louisville), P.J. Mustipher (iDL, Penn State), Ronnie Hickman (S, Ohio State), Marte Mapu (S/LB, Sacramento State), and Lonnie Phelps (EDGE, Kansas) are round 47 picks identified by Reid that could potentially add depth to the Giants’ roster.
General Manager Joe Schoen’s Rebuilding Plans through the Draft
The Giants have not spent heavily on players from other teams in free agency. Their general manager Joe Schoen intends to rebuild through drafting young players, which is where the team has spent a large sum of their budget. Seven out of the 11 players selected in the previous year’s draft could start or be key contributors in the upcoming season.
The Team’s Needs and Draft Strategies
The Giants need a wide receiver and are reportedly in the market for a potential top pick in that position. They may opt for a cornerback in the second round, given that it is a strong and deep position in the upcoming draft. The loss of both Nick Gates and Jon Feliciano also leaves room for a center pick at some point during the draft. A running back pick could provide additional support for Saquon Barkley, who they might not commit to long-term.
Strategies for Improving Performance in NFL Draft
With an NFL salary cap on player spending, evaluating individual players’ skill is key to identifying value for money. The highest picks can be overvalued and carry higher financial stakes, which has dubbed them “the loser’s curse.” Teams can find better buy later in round one and early in round two.
Drafting Strategies by Positional Value
Wise allocation of resources is paramount in a salary-capped NFL. Drafting with positional value in mind at the most favorable place in the draft is important. QB generates more wins above replacement (WAR) than any other position, making it the Holy Grail for all NFL teams that don’t have one. For drafting a QB, the most favorable place might be outside the top five.
Other High-Value Picks for Positions
Interior defensive linemen have high value early in round one, while cornerbacks or wide receivers are high-value positions in the top half of round one. Interior offensive line value is high and flat throughout lower half of round one. First-round salaries decrease smoothly with draft position through to the end of round one, with the biggest drop occurring once round two begins. Value in the RB curve peaks in the middle of round one, while tight end and safety positions provide a low value for round one from a financial value standpoint.
Conclusion
Drafting strategies can be vital to a team’s success when building their roster through the draft. The New York Giants have multiple positions of need that they will address in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, with their general manager Joe Schoen determined to rebuild the team’s performance through young talent from colleges. By selecting the right players at key positions, teams can greatly improve their chances of winning valuable games in the NFL.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
