Reviewing the New York Giants Off-Season Acquisitions

East Rutherford, New Jersey (PSF) - Following a successful 2022-23 NFL season that saw the New York Giants make the playoffs with a 9-7-1 record, they seem to have improved their roster even more this off-season. This would mark the second off-season where General Manager Joe Schoen has had the opportunity to improve the roster. So far it seems the GM has accomplished that task by making some significant acquisitions through free agency, trades, and the NFL Draft.

Darren Waller

One of the most important tasks for Schoen this off-season was to add players to the offense that could help them improve their production. A big way the GM of the Giants did that was by trading for tight end Darren Waller. It costs the Giants a third-round draft pick to trade for Waller however, it was the pick they received from the Kansas City Chiefs when they traded Kadarius Toney away. In the 2022-23 NFL season the Giants ranked 18th in points per game. The new addition could really aid the Giants offense in scoring more points this upcoming season. Waller is a proven player who has had some great seasons in the past and has also been selected to the Pro Bowl once. He is listed as a TE but moves like a WR and is a mismatch for linebackers because of his speed while also being too big for some safeties to cover. A downside to Waller is that he only played nine games last season and 11 the season before that. Regardless, if he is on the field you can expect him to produce and will serve as a reliable target for quarterback Daniel Jones who has already been connecting with him during minicamp.

Bobby Okereke

This signing by Schoen might be the best and most valuable because of what it could potentially do for the defense in the 2023-24 NFL season. Okereke will serve as the do it all linebacker for the Giants as he can cover and stop the run but his most valuable trait is his leadership. His previous five years with the Indianapolis Colts show how valuable of a player he is. The linebacker position has been a weak spot for a long time when discussing the Giants defense but now it could become a strength with this acquisition.

John Michael Schmitz

In the 2023 NFL draft the Giants selected center John Michael Schmitz in the second round which was a huge need going into the off-season. This acquisition gives the team a possible day one starter that fills a position of need. Schmitz is mostly known for his run blocking and his football intelligence, being able to make the calls up at the line of scrimmage as well. It seems as though the Giants are starting to slowly build their offensive line piece by piece with a bright future ahead of them.

Deonte Banks

The Giants first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft was cornerback Deonte Banks who will presumably play as the CB2. This position was a hole for the defense last season as they were constantly looking for someone to step up. Adoree’ Jackson played well last season as the CB1 but the Giants desperately needed someone outside of him to lockdown receivers. Now with Banks on the team, the Giants hope he can develop into the player they have been looking for. With the scheme that defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has applied to the defense, Banks could become more than a serviceable starter for the Giants.

Jalin Hyatt/Parris Campbell

Possibly one of the biggest, if not the biggest, hole that was on the Giants roster coming into the off-season was the wide receiver position. In the 2023 NFL draft the team selected wide receiver Jalin Hyatt in the third-round with many believing the pick to be great value. Hyatt racked up 1,267 receiving yards on 67 catches while also scoring 15 touchdowns in the 2022 NCAA season. He showcased that he has big play ability and can blaze past almost any defender with his speed, something the Giants desperately were lacking last season. Another receiver the Giants added to their roster in the off-season was Parris Campbell via free agency. While playing mostly in the slot position last season, Campbell had 623 receiving yards on 63 catches with three touchdowns. Campbell could bring the team consistency in the slot while also providing them with elite speed which is something they did not have last season. It is safe to say that GM Schoen definitely improved the WR position over the off-season with these two additions in particular.