The New York Giants’ 2023 NFL draft class, once viewed with cautious optimism, has aged poorly.
Under general manager Joe Schoen, the team invested multiple high picks into a group that has largely failed to deliver meaningful contributions. As a result, Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has retracted his original praise of the Giants’ class in a recent 2023 NFL draft regrade.
2023 grade: B-
The skinny: They had seven picks in this draft, but just one is a projected starter heading into the season, that being second-round center John Michael Schmitz. They traded up to get corner Deonte Banks in the first round and he has been a major disappointment and is a backup heading into this season. Third-round receiver Jalin Hyatt has 10 starts and 36 catches in three seasons. Of the remaining four picks, only running back Eric Gray is still on the roster.
How I did: I liked the pick of Hyatt, but did say he needs to learn the entire route tree rather than just being a speed threat. That hasn’t happened. I liked Banks, but didn’t love the rest of their draft. I didn’t like Schmitz as much as others and he’s been just OK as a starter.
New grade: D
Schmitz performed roughly average in 2025, while Banks is widely regarded as a bust, whose fifth-year option was declined. Both Hyatt and Eric Gray have struggled with consistency and limited roles.
The remaining selections—Tre Hawkins, Jordon Riley, and Gervarrius Owens—are no longer with the team.
Although Schoen has fared better in the draft over the past two seasons, earning widespread praise, the 2023 NFL draft stands out as a failure.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 2023 NFL draft regrade does not reflect well on Giants GM Joe Schoen
Reporting by Dan Benton, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
