Prospects for Giants to Avoid in 2023 NFL Draft

The New York Giants have had a clear vision this offseason. They're looking to build on what they accomplished in 2022, and they've managed to bring back key contributors like quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Saquon Barkley, wideout Sterling Shepard and pass-rusher Jihad Ward.

New York also strengthened its receiving corps by signing Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder and trading for tight end Darren Waller.

In the draft, the Giants will look to add to a roster that was good enough to reach the divisional round this past season. General manager Joe Schoen has 10 selections with which to work, including the 25th overall pick.

To significantly improve the roster, Schoen will have to hit on the right prospects and avoid the wrong ones. With this in mind, let's examine three prospects the Giants should look to avoid over draft weekend and why.

Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

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Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt

Even after bolstering their receiving corps in free agency, the Giants still need a true No. 1 receiver. That's a need New York could look to fill early in the draft, possibly with a Round 1 target like Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba or TCU's Quentin Johnston.

Tennessee's Jalin Hyatt—the 12th-ranked wideout on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's big board—will likely be available later in the draft. However, he's not a tremendous fit for New York's needs.

While Hyatt has good speed—he ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine—he isn't a polished pro-ready receiver.

"Hyatt's route running is lacking," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He doesn't waste very much movement via technique, but his high-waisted build makes him stiff in the hips. He can struggle to sink and explode out of routes, which limits his ability to separate on non-vertical routes."

Other teams might make early use of Hyatt's ability to stretch the field, but the Giants need a prospect who can be a dependable go-to target sooner than later. Simply put, New York has enough complementary pieces in its receiver room and doesn't need another.

Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

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Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes

Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes is an intriguing prospect with good length (6'1"), top-end speed (4.35-second 40-yard dash) and ball skills. He tallied six interceptions and three defensive touchdowns this past season alone.

However, Forbes is also a wiry 166-pound prospect who can struggle against more physical receivers and in run support.

"There are times where he can struggle defeating blocks," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He does a good job of taking on blockers with his length and occasionally uses his quickness to beat blocks, but he's often overpowered by strength on the edge."

While any team with playoff aspirations should be looking to add cornerback depth, Forbes simply isn't a great fit for New York. The NFC East features some bigger receivers in CeeDee Lamb and A.J. Brown, plus two teams that love to run the football in the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.

Run defense is already a liability for the Giants, who ranked 31st in yards per carry allowed (5.2) last season. While Forbes could be a fine rotational defender for a different franchise, New York simply doesn't need to add another defender who can easily be taken out of the play when opposing teams are looking to run.

Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

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Maryland OT Jaelyn Duncan

As is the case at cornerback, a team looking to go deep in the playoffs cannot have enough reliable offensive line depth. It would be a major surprise if the Giants don't use one or two of their 10 selections looking for some.

Maryland offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan, however, should not be on New York's board.

Athletically, there's a lot to like about Duncan, who has archetypal size at 6'6" and 306 pounds. He's big, physical and athletic enough to eventually become a starting-caliber tackle at the next level.

The problem is that Duncan has inconsistent technique and isn't close to being a finished product.

"Duncan has plus movement skills with some flashes of sound technique but is overall unsound and unreliable with his hands, use of leverage and ability to sustain blocks," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

The former Terrapin is better suited for a rebuilding team that has the time to develop prospects for the future.

New York is looking to be a title contender, and the offensive line room should be filled with players who can contribute right away if called upon. That isn't Duncan, and the Giants shouldn't use a valuable draft pick—the Scouting Department projects him as a fourth-round pick—on a player who could be destined for the practice squad.