The New York Giants have had a very strong 2023 offseason. It was the first time that Joe Schoen had some maneuverability under the salary cap and he took full advantage. New York was able to fill several holes on their roster, putting them in a position to improve upon last season’s team that went 9-7-1 and won a playoff game over the Minnesota Vikings.
Linebacker Bobby Okereke will upgrade the second level of the Giants’ defense as a tackling machine. Offensively, Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley are both back along with some new weapons in tight end Darren Waller, who was acquired in a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders and free agent wide receiver Parris Campbell.
The 2023 NFL Draft will provide Schoen to fill the last few holes on the roster. The offensive line could certainly use some reinforcements, especially on the interior as Nick Gates and Jon Feliciano both left in free agency. Matching value with need in the first round will be a challenge, however.
There isn’t a guard or center rated high enough for the Giants to use the No. 24 overall pick on one without sacrificing a ton of value and making a reach. But, another area that the team could look to address is the safety position.
Arguably the biggest loss that the Giants suffered in free agency was Julian Love signing with the Seattle Seahawks. He was not only a team captain but a very versatile piece for the defense. Wink Martindale lined him up everywhere, as he played free safety, in the box and the slot.
Replacing a player of that caliber isn’t easy, but there is a prospect that the Giants could target at No. 24 to help fill the void. The perfect player fit for New York in the 2023 NFL Draft is Alabama safety Brian Branch.
Branch can replicate the kind of versatility that Love provided in Martindale’s defense. He is capable of lining up as a deep safety, in the box or over the slot, providing the Giants with a dynamic, versatile safety duo along with fellow Alabama alum Xavier McKinney.
His player comparison is Minkah Fitzpatrick, who is arguably the best safety currently in the NFL. If the Giants nab him at No. 24 and he even approaches that level, he will be considered arguably the biggest steal of the 2023 NFL Draft.
