A Different Kind of 3-Round Giants Mock Draft

NFL.com's Chad Reuter's three-round mock draft favors this side of the ball for the Giants

Author:
Quinn Slaven
Publish date:
Mar 4, 2023 12:00 PM EST

In this story:

The New York Giants have plenty of needs to fill in the 2023 off-season. Among them are more receiving targets and interior protection for quarterback Daniel Jones.

In an especially pass-happy division, the Giants will also be looking for a lockdown corner capable of shutting down top receivers like A.J. Brown of the Eagles and CeeDee Lamb of the Cowboys.

NFL Draft Analyst Chad Reuter has the Giants covered in this regard. In his most recent three-round mock , he has the Giants swinging for the fences in a scenario that includes a first-round trade with the Baltimore Ravens, who hold the 22nd pick in the first round.

Here's how Reuter's mock draft played out.

R1, No. 22 (via Ravens): CB Devon Witherspoon, 5-11, 181 lbs., Illinois

As previously noted, the Giants engaged in a trade with the Ravens to move up three spots, sending Baltimore their first- and one of their two third-round picks to move ahead of the Vikings to grab Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

Witherspoon is known for his physicality. He had an excellent senior season, hauling in three interceptions, deflecting 14 passes, and allowing 34.9 percent of the pass targets against him.

Witherspoon has also been a force against the run throughout his career, totaling 157 tackles in 42 games.

Unranked coming out of high school, Witherspoon plays with a chip on his shoulder, using all of his frame to punish receivers and ball carriers. He tackles more like a linebacker than a speedy corner but has no trouble managing one-on-one vertical routes.

However, with physicality often comes penalties. Witherspoon has the attitude and confidence necessary to go toe-to-toe with elite receivers, but do not be surprised if he draws a few yellow flags early on in his career. Still, Witherspoon projects as a Day 1 starter for whichever team he does end up on.

R2, No. 57: WR Tyler Scott, 5-11, 185 lbs., Cincinnati

After two disappointing seasons, the Giants are parting with receiver Kenny Golladay. Isaiah Hodgins, Richie James, and Darius Slayton performed decently but struggled against the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional playoffs.

Of the three, Hodgins is under contract and will join Wan'Dale Robinson once the second-year receiver is recovered from a torn ACL in the Giants' receivers room. But the Giants will need a lot more, so Reuter has New York adding Cincinnati's Tyler Scott to their receiver room.

The former Bearcat has elite top-end speed, allowing him to stretch the defense. Once a running back, Scott excels at getting yards after the catch and could impact special teams units as a returner.

In his final college season, Scott racked up 899 yards and nine touchdowns. Somewhat under the radar, NFL.com predicts he will eventually be a plus starter.

R3, No. 89: IOL Joe Tippmann, 6-6, 317 lbs., Wisconsin

With the first of their two third-round picks--the second one they received from the Chiefs in the Kadarius Toney trade was dealt to the Ravens in this mock scenario--Reuter foresees New York adding some interior offensive line help in the form of Wisconsin's Joe Tippmann.

Tippmann, a redshirt junior, is known for his high football IQ and quick instincts. He uses both and more to excel at the center position but could easily transition to guard.

According to Next Gen Stats, Tippmann was ranked the top center ahead of the combine. Assuming he lives up to the hype, it is hard to imagine he will be available in the third round. If he is, he would be a no-brainer pick for a team that is believed to be looking to get younger on its offensive line.

In 25 games at Wisconsin, blocking for 625 passing plays, Tippmann allowed only one sack and two hurries.