Giants Rookies Who Will Make Instant Impact in 2023 Season

The New York Giants put most of their early-offseason effort into retaining key players and improving one of the league's most underwhelming receiving corps.

New York signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a contract extension, franchise-tagged star running back Saquon Barkley and added pass-catchers such as Darren Waller, Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder to its offense.

Those moves should keep the Giants in the playoff mix in 2023, and their draft class could push the team even further. They made seven selections over draft weekend, and a few of the incoming rookies have the potential to play significant roles early.

Here, we'll examine three of New York's draft selections who have the most early-impact potential. Factors such as positional value, past production, upside and roster depth were all considered, along with any relevant post-draft buzz.

Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks talks to reporters after an NFL football rookie camp at the team's training facility in East Rutherford, N.J., Friday, May 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Round 1 (24th overall)

The Giants traded up to take cornerback Deonte Banks in the first round, and they may have landed a day-one starter in the process.

The 22-year-old is the sort of physical man-cover corner that defensive coordinator Don Martindale had in Marlon Humphrey when coaching with the Baltimore Ravens.

Martindale didn't have that kind of top cornerback last season, and his pass defense ranked a good-not-great 14th in yards allowed.

And the rookie is up for the challenge.

"They play a lot of man, so if you know me, you know how I play man," Banks told reporters. "It's just a mentality thing. I just love doing it."

The Maryland product, who had eight passes defended last season, has good instincts and solid ball skills to go with a physical play-style. With him on the perimeter, New York's defense should generate more turnovers after notching only six interceptions in 2022.

While Banks might not be a prime contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year, he could easily establish himself as the Giants' best cornerback by the end of his rookie season.

John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 02: American offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz of Minnesota (74) during the Reese's Senior Bowl team practice session on February 2, 2023 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Round 2 (57th overall)

Like Banks, second-round pick John Michael Schmitz might walk out of camp with a starting role.

The former Minnesota center has all the physical tools needed to replace the departed Jon Feliciano and surpass J.C. Hassenauer as New York's starting center.

"Schmitz has the play strength, understanding of leverage and mental processing to be a solid starter right away in a multiple run scheme," Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote. "His grip strength and hard-nosed playing style allow him to steer, displace and finish defenders at a high level."

According to former NFL guard Alex Boone, who trained Schmitz before the scouting combine, the 24-year-old also has the intangibles needed to be an early star.

"His attitude, the way he approached the field, the film—everything about him I was like, 'dude, we have to get this kid,'" Boone told Giants.com's Big Blue Kickoff Live. "He's incredible."

With bookend tackles Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal in place, addressing the interior offensive line was the next logical step for the Giants. They did a fantastic job of doing that by landing Schmitz early on Day 2.

Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Jalin Hyatt of Tennessee participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Round 3 (73rd overall)

Unlike Banks and Schmitz, third-round rookie and wideout Jalin Hyatt probably won't earn a starting role as a rookie.

New York has done a good job of improving its depth at the position, and the Tennessee product is a relatively raw prospect.

"Hyatt is a one-trick speed threat whose game will have to expand to have the same impact in the NFL as he did in college," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "...Hyatt's middling route-running skills and difficult transition from Tennessee's offense to the NFL could make for a bumpy start,"

While Hyatt will likely get chances in a limited capacity, his ability to stretch the field can still become a key component of New York's offensive plan. He has tremendous speed (4.4-second 40-yard dash) and it translates to the gridiron.

Last season, he tallied 1,267 receiving yards and an impressive 18.9 yards per reception.

Expect Hyatt to largely play behind receivers such as Parris Campbell, Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard and Wan'Dale Robinson early. However, he should get a few opportunities each game to stretch out the defense and potentially haul in the home run ball.