Following a busy weekend of moves, the Giants finished the draft with a seven-man class. Of them, four play on the defensive side of the ball, including three defensive backs.
The Giants traded up in the first round Thursday night to grab Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks. The excitement in the draft room was palpable after the selection was made, evidenced by the bear hug defensive coordinator Wink Martindale was seen giving general manager Joe Schoen.
"He's a prototype from a size standpoint," Schoen told reporters Thursday night. "He's athletic. He's physical. He can run. He ran 4.32 at the Combine. He has arm length, big hands. He's been a four-year starter. He was hurt a year ago but he has played a lot of ball there at Maryland and schematically, he's a good fit. And we spent a lot of time with him. Met with him at the Combine. He's a guy that, you know, we went down to the pro day, and we spent a good amount of time with him, and again we felt comfortable with him. ... You guys know Wink's defense and what he likes, and Deonte fits that mold "to a T". He was ecstatic."
After addressing the offense with both picks on Friday, Schoen continued to bolster the secondary's depth on Saturday with the selections of Old Dominion cornerback Tre Hawkins III in the sixth round and Houston's Gervarrius Owens in the seventh.
"Tre Hawkins, we took him late in the sixth," Schoen said. "From Old Dominion corner, height, weight, and speed prospect that has high upside. He's a physical kid, not afraid to tackle. You see a trend with some of these guys that we took at that position. Good developmental prospect for Wink's defense and projects well to special teams due to his physical traits and toughness.
"Gervarrius Owens, another guy we like, a tall, long, athletic safety from the University of Houston, was out at the East-West Game. Another physical kid. Projects well to special teams and also compete for a depth role."
The three rookies join several free agent signings as the additions to the Giants' secondary. With numerous players leaving in free agency, the team's defensive backfield, led by DB coach Jerome Henderson, will have a much different feel in 2023.
Below is a look at the state of the secondary heading into 2023, but first, here's a refresher on last year's secondary:
2022 GAME-BY-GAME STARTERS
| OPP | LCB | RCB | NICKEL | SS | FS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @TEN | Adoree' Jackson | Aaron Robinson | -- | Julian Love | Xavier McKinney |
| CAR | Adoree' Jackson | Cor'Dale Flott | Darnay Holmes | Julian Love | Xavier McKinney / Dane Belton |
| DAL | Adoree' Jackson | Cor'Dale Flott | -- | Julian Love | Xavier McKinney |
| CHI | Adoree' Jackson | Aaron Robinson | -- | Julian Love | Xavier McKinney |
| @GB | Adoree' Jackson | Fabian Moreau | -- | Julian Love | Xavier McKinney |
| BAL | Adoree' Jackson | Fabian Moreau | -- | Julian Love | Xavier McKinney / Dane Belton |
| @JAX | Adoree' Jackson | Fabian Moreau | -- | Julian Love | Xavier McKinney |
| @SEA | Adoree' Jackson | Fabian Moreau | Nick McCloud | Julian Love | Xavier McKinney |
| HOU | Adoree' Jackson | Fabian Moreau | -- | Julian Love | Dane Belton |
| DET | Adoree' Jackson | Fabian Moreau | -- | Julian Love | Dane Belton |
| @DAL | Nick McCloud | Cor'Dale Flott | Darnay Holmes | Julian Love | Jason Pinnock |
| WAS | Zyon Gilbert | Fabian Moreau | Nick McCloud | Julian Love | Tony Jefferson II |
| PHI | Nick McCloud | Fabian Moreau | -- | Julian Love | Jason Pinnock |
| @WAS | Nick McCloud | Fabian Moreau | -- | Julian Love | Jason Pinnock |
| @MIN | Nick McCloud | Fabian Moreau | Cor'Dale Flott | Julian Love | Jason Pinnock |
| IND | Nick McCloud | Fabian Moreau | Cor'Dale Flott | Julian Love | Jason Pinnock |
| @PHI | Nick McCloud | Rodarius Williams | Cor'Dale Flott | Dane Belton | Jason Pinnock |
| @MIN (WC) | Adoree' Jackson | Fabian Moreau | Darnay Holmes | Julian Love | Xavier McKinney |
| @PHI (DIV) | Adoree' Jackson | Fabian Moreau | Darnay Holmes | Julian Love | Xavier McKinney |
View photos of every move made by the Giants during the 2023 cycle.
QB Jacob Eason - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (January 6)
TE Tyree Jackson - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (January 6)
K Mason Crosby - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (January 6)
OT Yodny Cajuste - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (January 6)
S Jason Pinnock - Reserve/Injured (January 6)
QB Jacob Eason - Practice Squad Signing (January 4)
OT Tyre Phillips - Reserve/Injured (January 2)
OLB Jeremiah Martin - Practice Squad Signing (January 1)
K Mason Crosby - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (December 30)
WR Dennis Houston - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (December 30)
LB Darrian Beavers - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (December 30)
TE Lawrence Cager - Reserve/Injured (December 30)
K Mason Crosby - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (December 24)
OLB Tomon Fox - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (December 24)
OT Matt Peart - Activated, from Reserve (December 24)
OT Evan Neal - Reserve/Injured (December 24)
K Mason Crosby - Practice Squad Veteran (December 22)
K Cade York - Practice Squad; Injured (December 22)
K Randy Bullock - Reserve/Injured (December 21)
DL Timmy Horne - Free Agent Signing from ATL Practice Squad (December 21)
OT Matt Peart - Designated for Return / Returned to Practice (December 20)
RB Gary Brightwell - Designated for Return / Returned to Practice (December 20)
TE Darren Waller - Activated, from Reserve (December 16)
S Bobby McCain - Waived, No Recall (December 16)
TE Darren Waller - Designated for Return / Returned to Practice (December 14)
QB Tyrod Taylor - Activated, from Reserve (December 11)
QB Matt Barkley - Practice Squad Veteran Signing (December 5)
QB Jacob Eason - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (December 4)
QB Matt Barkley - Waived, No Recall (December 4)
QB Tyrod Taylor - Designated for Return / Returned to Practice (December 4)
WR Dylan Drummond - Practice Squad Signing (November 30)
OLB Oshane Ximines - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (November 30)
RB Eric Gray - Activated, from Reserve (November 25)
K Cade York - Practice Squad Exception Signing (November 24)
K Randy Bullock - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (November 24)
K Cade York - Waived, No Recall (November 22)
RB Eric Gray - Designated for Return / Returned to Practice (November 22)
OL Joshua Miles - Practice Squad Veteran Signing (November 21)
RB Deon Jackson - Practice Squad Exception Signing (November 21)
RB Hassan Hall - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (November 21)
LB Benton Whitley - Free Agent Signing from MIN Practice Squad (November 21)
RB Deon Jackson - Waived, No Recall (November 20)
OL Joshua Miles - Waived, No Recall (November 20)
K Randy Bullock - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (November 18)
TE Tyree Jackson - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (November 18)
TE Chris Myarick - Waived, No Recall from Reserve/Injured (November 13)
OLB Azeez Ojulari - Activated, from Reserve (November 11)
TE Tyree Jackson - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (November 11)
K Randy Bullock - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (November 11)
OLB Azeez Ojulari - Designated for Return / Returned to Practice (November 8)
QB Matt Barkley - QB Matt Barkley - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (November 8)
QB Daniel Jones - Reserve/Injured (November 8)
QB Jacob Eason - Practice Squad Signing (November 7)
RB Hassan Hall - Practice Squad Signing (November 7)
OLB Justin Hollins - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (November 4)
K Randy Bullock - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (November 4)
TE Lawrence Cager - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (November 4)
TE Darren Waller - Reserve/Injured (November 4)
QB Tyrod Taylor - Reserve/Injured (November 4)
WR Gunner Olszewski - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (November 3)
K Cade York - Free Agent Signing from TEN Practice Squad (November 3)
K Randy Bullock - Practice Squad Veteran Signing (November 3)
K Graham Gano - Reserve/Injured (November 3)
QB Matt Barkley - Practice Squad Veteran Signing (October 31)
QB Tommy DeVito - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (October 31)
WR Gunner Olszewski - Practice Squad Veteran Signing (October 31)
OL Jaylon Thomas - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (October 31)
DL Leonard Williams - Traded to Seahawks for 2024 2nd Round Pick & 2025 5th Round Pick (October 30)
CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver III - Practice Squad Veteran Signing (October 30)
WR Gunner Olszewski - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (October 30)
WR Gunner Olszewski - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (October 28)
RB Gary Brightwell - Reserve/Injured (October 28)
QB Tommy DeVito - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 28)
OLB Oshane Ximines - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 28)
RB Jashaun Corbin - Free Agent Signing from CAR Practice Squad
OLB Justin Hollins - Practice Squad Veteran Signing
RB Eric Gray, OT Matt Peart - Reserve/Injured
RB Deon Jackson - Claimed off Waivers from CLV
(October 24)
WR Gunner Olszewski - Practice Squad Veteran Signing (October 23)
QB Tommy DeVito - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 21)
OL Jalen Mayfield - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 21)
TE Lawrence Cager - Practice Squad Signing
OL Sean Harlow - Free Agent Signing from DAL Practice Squad (October 19)
OL Shane Lemieux - Reserve/Injured (October 19)
OL Justin Pugh - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (October 18)
TE Lawrence Cager - Waived, No Recall (October 18)
OL Tyre Phillips - Free Agent Signing from PHI Practice Squad
OL Joshua Miles - Free Agent Signing from ATL Practice Squad
OL Joshua Ezeudu - Reserve/Injured
OL Jalen Mayfield - Practice Squad Exception Signing
DB Alex Cook - Free Agent Signing to CAR Active Roster
(October 17)
OLB Azeez Ojulari - Reserve/Injured (October 14)
OL Jalen Mayfield - Free Agent Signing from NYG Practice Squad (October 14)
QB Tommy DeVito - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 14)
OL Justin Pugh - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 14)
OT Yodny Cajuste - Practice Squad Veteran (October 11)
WR Cole Beasley - Designated for Return / Restored to Practice Squad (October 10)
WR Cam Sims - - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (October 10)
CB Amani Oruwariye - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (October 10)
OL Jaylon Thomas, OL Jalen Mayfield - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (October 7)
OL Justin Pugh - Practice Squad Veteran (October 3)
RB Taiwan Jones - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (October 3)
OLB Oshane Ximines - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (September 21)
OL Jaylon Thomas - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (September 21)
RB Taiwan Jones - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (September 16)
OLB Oshane Ximines - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (September 16)
RB Taiwan Jones - Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) (September 9)
K Graham Gano - Signed 3-year contract extension (September 8)
WR Cam Sims - Practice Squad Veteran Signing (September 4)
WR Cole Beasley - Practice Squad; Injured (September 4)
G Jack Anderson - Waived, Injury Settlement
DB Kaleb Hayes, WR Dennis Houston, T Jaylon Thomas - Practice Squad Signing (August 31)
RB Taiwan Jones - Practice Squad Veteran Signing (August 31)
TE Tyree Jackson, G Jalen Mayfield - Practice Squad Exception Signing (August 31)
DB Gemon Green, T Tyre Phillips - Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad (August 31)
CB Zyon Gilbert - Waived, Injury Settlement
DT Ryder Anderson, ILB Darrian Beavers, DB Alex Cook, QB Tommy DeVito, CB Gemon Green, ILB Dyontae Johnson, TE Ryan Jones - Practice Squad (August 30)
WR Cole Beasley, CB Amani Oruwariye, T Tyre Phillips, OLB Oshane Ximines - Practice Squad Veteran (August 30)
OLB Tomon Fox - Practice Squad Exception (August 30)
DE Boogie Basham - Acquired via Trade (via BUF) with 2025 7th Round Pick for 2025 6th Round Pick (August 30)
DT Ryder Anderson - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
DE Habakkuk Baldonado - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
LB Darrian Beavers - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
DB Alex Cook - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
RB Jashaun Corbin - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
QB Tommy DeVito - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
LB Tomon Fox - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
DB Gemon Green - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
LB Dyontae Johnson - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
TE Ryan Jones - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
LS Cameron Lyons - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
T Tyre Phillips - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
WR Kalil Pimpleton - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
DT Kobe Smith - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
LB Ray Wilborn - Waived, No Recall (August 29)
WR Cole Beasley - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 29)
WR Jamison Crowder - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 29)
C Sean Harlow - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 29)
DB Amani Oruwariye - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 29)
WR David Sills V - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 29)
LB Oshane Ximines - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 29)
TE Tommy Sweeney - Reserve/Non-Football Illness (August 29)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson - Passed Physical (August 29)
CB Aaron Robinson - Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (August 29)
TE Chris Myarick - Reserve/Injured (August 28)
DB Zyon Gilbert - Waived, Injured (August 28)
G Jack Anderson - Waived, Injured (August 28)
G Wyatt Davis - Waived, Injured (August 28)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton - Reserve/Injured (August 27)
WR Jaydon Mickens - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 27)
OT Korey Cunningham - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 27)
OT Julién Davenport - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 27)
DT Brandin Bryant - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 27)
DE Tashawn Bower - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (August 27)
DT Kevin Atkins - Waived, No Recall (August 27)
WR Collin Johnson - Waived, No Recall (August 27)
DB Darren Evans - Waived, No Recall (August 27)
NT Donovan Jeter - Waived, No Recall (August 27)
RB James Robinson - Waived, No Recall (August 27)
S/ILB Isaiah Simmons - Acquired via Trade (via ARZ) for 2024 7th Round Pick (August 25)
OT Devery Hamilton - Waived, Injury Settlement (August 24)
LB Troy Brown - Waived, Injury Settlement
CB Rodarius Williams - Waived, No Recall (August 19)
OT Julién Davenport - Free Agent Signing (August 16)
LB Troy Brown - Waived, Injured (August 16)
LB Ray Wilborn - Claimed off Waivers from DEN (August 15)
OT Devery Hamilton - Waived/Injured (August 15)
DL D.J. Davidson - Passed Physical (August 14)
WR Jeff Smith - Terminated, Vested Veteran, Injury Settlement (August 11)
DT A'Shawn Robinson - Passed Physical (August 7)
OL Marcus McKethan - Passed Physical (August 7)
NT Donovan Jeter - Free Agent Signing (August 4)
WR Jeff Smith - Waived/Injured (August 4)
C Sean Harlow - Free Agent Signing (August 1)
OL J.C. Hassenauer - Reserve/Injured (August 1)
WR Sterling Shepard - Passed Physical (July 30)
WR Jamison Crowder - Passed Physical (July 30)
DT Vernon Butler - Reserve/Injured (July 29)
LB Elerson Smith - Waived, Injury Settlement (July 29)
DT Kevin Atkins - Free Agent Signing (July 27)
T Andrew Thomas - Signed, Renegotiated Contract (July 26)
DT D.J. Davidson - Declared Physically Unable to Perform (July 25)
G Marcus McKethan - Declared Physically Unable to Perform (July 25)
CB Aaron Robinson - Declared Physically Unable to Perform (July 25)
DT A'Shawn Robinson - Declared Physically Unable to Perform (July 25)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson - Declared Physically Unable to Perform (July 25)
WR Sterling Shepard - Declared Physically Unable to Perform (July 25)
WR Jamison Crowder - Declared Non-Football Injury (July 25)
DT Vernon Butler - Reserve/Did Not Report (July 25)
RB Saquon Barkley - Franchise Player Signing (July 25)
OLB Tashawn Bower - Free Agent Signing (July 25)
OLB Elerson Smith - Waived, Injured (July 25)
DB Trenton Thompson - Waived, No Recall (July 25)
DT Brandin Bryant - Free Agent Signing (July 24)
WR Makai Polk - Waived, No Recall (July 24)
WR Dre Miller - Waived, No Recall (July 24)
RB James Robinson - Free Agent Signing (July 21)
WR Cole Beasley - Free Agent Signing (July 21)
DB Darren Evans - Free Agent Signing (July 18)
LB Jarrad Davis - Reserve/Injured (July 18)
DB Leonard Johnson - Waived/Injured (July 18)
DL Kobe Smith - Free Agent Signing (June 15)
DL Dexter Lawrence - Signed, Renegotiated Contract (May 5)
OLB Oshane Ximines - Free Agent Signing (May 5)
OLB Habakkuk Baldonado - Free Agent Signing (May 5)
LB Troy Brown - Free Agent Signing (May 5)
DB Alex Cook - Free Agent Signing (May 5)
QB Tommy DeVito - Free Agent Signing (May 5)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton - Free Agent Signing (May 5)
DB Gemon Green - Free Agent Signing (May 5)
LB Dyontae Johnson - Free Agent Signing (May 5)
TE Ryan Jones - Free Agent Signing (May 5)
LS Cameron Lyons - Free Agent Signing (May 5)
CB Deonte Banks - Selected in Round 1 (Pick No. 24) of 2023 NFL Draft
CB Deonte Banks - Selection List Signing (May 18)
OL John Michael Schmitz - Selected in Round 2 (Pick No. 57) of 2023 NFL Draft
C John Michael Schmitz - Selection List Signing (May 23)
WR Jalin Hyatt - Selected in Round 3 (Pick No. 73) of 2023 NFL Draft
WR Jalin Hyatt - Selection List Signing (May 15)
RB Eric Gray - Selection List Signing (May 5)
CB Tre Hawkins III - Selected in Round 6 (Pick No. 209) of 2023 NFL Draft
CB Tre Hawkins III - Selection List Signing (May 5)
DL Jordon Riley - Selected in Round 7 (Pick No. 243) of 2023 NFL Draft
RB Eric Gray - Selected in Round 5 (Pick No. 172) of 2023 NFL Draft
DL Jordan Riley - Selection List Signing (May 6)
DB Gervarrius Owens - Selected in Round 7 (Pick No. 254) of 2023 NFL Draft
DB Gervarrius Owens - Selection List Signing (May 5)
DT A'Shawn Robinson - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (April 24)
C J.C. Hassenauer - Free Agent Signing (April 7)
OLB Jihad Ward - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 29)
TE Tommy Sweeney - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 23)
CB Amani Oruwariye - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 23)
WR Jamison Crowder - Unrestricted Free Agent Signing (March 23)
S Bobby McCain - Free Agent Signing (March 23)
WR Darius Slayton - Free Agent Signing (March 20)
DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches - Free Agent Signing (March 17)
WR Parris Campbell - Free Agent Signing (March 17)
WR Jeff Smith - Free Agent Signing (March 17)
LB Bobby Okereke - Free Agent Signing (March 16)
WR Sterling Shepard - Free Agent Signing (March 15)
TE Darren Waller - Acquired via trade with Las Vegas Raiders (March 15)
RB Matt Breida - Signed, Renegotiated Contract (March 14)
P Jamie Gillan - Signed, Renegotiated Contract (March 13)
LS Casey Kreiter - Signed, Renegotiated Contract (March 13)
G Wyatt Davis - Signed, Renegotiated Contract (March 13)
QB Daniel Jones - Signed, Renegotiated Contract (March 7)
RB Saquon Barkley - Designated Franchise Player (March 7)
LB Jarrad Davis - Signed, Renegotiated Contract (March 7)
WR Isaiah Hodgins - Signed, Exclusive Rights (February 16)
G Jack Anderson - Signed, Exclusive Rights (February 14)
TE Lawrence Cager - Signed, Exclusive Rights (February 13)
WR David Sills V - Reserve/Future Signing (January 26)
DB Terrell Burgess - Reserve/Future Signing (January 26)
TE Chris Myarick - Reserve/Future Signing (January 23)
T Devery Hamilton - Reserve/Future Signing (January 22)
WR Dre Miller - Reserve/Future Signing (January 22)
DB Zyon Gilbert - Reserve/Future Signing (January 22)
DT Vernon Butler - Reserve/Future Signing (January 22)
WR Makai Polk - Reserve/Future Signing (January 22)
T Korey Cunningham - Reserve/Future Signing (January 22)
WR Jaydon Mickens - Reserve/Future Signing (January 22)
WR Kalil Pimpleton - Reserve/Future Signing (January 22)
RB Jashaun Corbin - Reserve/Future Signing (January 22)
DB Trenton Thompson - Reserve/Future Signing (January 22)
DB Terrell Burgess - Waived/Injured (May 5)
G Solomon Kindley - Waived
WR Kenny Golladay - Terminated, Vested Veteran, all contracts (March 15)
The draft picks
Deonte Banks (Round 1, Pick No. 24)
College: Maryland Terrapins
The Giants moved up one slot in the first round in order to grab Banks, who brings ideal size and athleticism to the cornerback position. The 6-foot, 197-pound CB out of Maryland ran a 4.35 40-yard dash to go with his 42-inch vertical and a broad jump of 11 feet, 4 inches, earning the highest athleticism score of all cornerbacks at the 2023 NFL Combine.
After suffering a season-ending injury in the second game of the 2021 campaign, Banks played 12 games this past season and registered high marks in total tackles (38) and passes defensed (eight). He earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors for his performance.
Tre Hawkins III (Round 6, Pick No. 209)
College: Old Dominion Monarchs
Hawkins began his collegiate career at Trinity Valley Community College before transferring to Old Dominion, where he played his final two seasons. He started all 13 games in 2021 and finished with 77 total tackles (56 solo), five tackles for loss, six passes defensed and one forced fumble. He followed that up with a strong senior campaign in which he had two interceptions, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries to go with his 57 tackles (44 solo).
Hawkins, similar to Banks, brings good size to the secondary with his 6-foot-2 frame. While he was not at the combine, Hawkins did run a 4.39 40-yard dash at his pro day.
Gervarrius Owens (Round 7, Pick No. 254)
College: Houston Cougars
Owens put up strong performances in his final two seasons at Houston. Starting 13 games as a junior, the 6-foot, 195-pound safety recorded two interceptions, one that he returned for a touchdown, three passes defensed, four tackles for loss and 52 tackles (33 solo) on his way to being named First-Team All-AAC.
He was then voted a captain for his senior season, where he led the Cougars with 54 solo tackles. Owens finished with two forced fumbles and eight passes defensed to go with his 74 tackles, all of which were new career-highs, and was named Second-Team All-AAC.
Owens spent time at both cornerback and safety while at Houston.
The newcomers
Free agent additions
Amani Oruwariye
Previous Team: Detroit Lions
Career: 53 G, 36 GS (all 36 at CB)
Oruwariye, 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, was originally a fifth-round pick (No. 146 overall) by the Detroit Lions in the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent his first four seasons with the Lions where he played 53 games with 36 starts, all at cornerback, and registered nine interceptions, 24 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, 173 total tackles (143 solo) and four tackles for loss.
Oruwariye put together his strongest season back in 2021, when he finished with career-highs in interceptions (six), passes defensed (11) and total tackles (57) in 14 games (all starts).
Bobby McCain
Previous Team: Washington Commanders
Career: 121 G, 87 GS (41 at CB, 45 at S, 1 at LB)
McCain is entering his ninth season in the NFL. Originally a fifth-round pick (No. 145 overall) by the Miami Dolphins, McCain played in Miami for the first six seasons of his career. The 5-foot-9, 196-pound DB recorded seven interceptions, 30 passes defensed, 254 total tackles (200 solo), four sacks, nine tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits and one forced fumble across 87 games (55 starts) for the Dolphins. McCain then spent the last two seasons with the Washington Commanders, where he played in every game and made 32 starts. The veteran had four interceptions and nine passes defensed during the 2021 campaign, both of which set new career-highs.
McCain has spent time all over the defensive backfield during his NFL career, but has primarily lined up at safety over the last few seasons.
Leonard Johnson
Previous Team: N/A
Career: N/A
This will be Johnson's first experience in the NFL as the 6-foot, 194-pound corner tore his ACL while preparing for the 2022 NFL Draft, which led to him going undrafted and unsigned as he recovered from the knee injury.
Johnson missed only one game during his time at Duke, playing 47 career contests with 39 starts. He finished his collegiate career with 165 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, six interceptions, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 17 pass breakups and two quarterback hurries.
Prior to his injury, Johnson participated at Duke's pro day where he ran a 4.54 40-yard dash and registered a vertical jump of 33.0 and broad jump of 10.5.
The returning defensive backs
Adoree' Jackson
Career: 69 G, 63 GS (all 63 at CB)
A free agent signing during the 2021 offseason, Jackson has played 23 games for the Giants over the last two years. He has 113 total tackles (87 solo) along with 15 passes defensed, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and three tackles for loss. A knee injury suffered while returning a punt limited Jackson to 10 games last season, his first as the team's No. 1 cornerback, but the 27-year-old played well in his first season playing in Martindale's defense.
Originally a first-round pick (No. 18 overall) of the Titans, Jackson played 46 games with 41 starts for Tennessee across four seasons.
Cor'Dale Flott
Career: 11 G, 6 GS (all 6 at CB)
A third-round pick (No. 81 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, Flott played 11 games with six starts as a rookie last season. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound corner finished with 26 tackles (15 solo), two passes defensed and one forced fumble. He saw his most action in the regular season finale against the Eagles where he played all but one defensive snap. Flott surrendered just three receptions for 29 yards on seven targets that game, earning a passer rating against of 55.1.
Aaron Robinson
Career: 11 G, 4 GS (all 4 at CB)
Injuries have derailed the start of Robinson's career as he's played a total of 11 games with four starts since being drafted in the third-round (No. 71 overall) of the 2021 draft. But when he's been on the field, the 6-foot-1, 193-pound corner has played well. Robinson has broken up four passes in his 11 career games, and in two games last year, he allowed just two receptions for 28 yards on five targets (58.8 passer rating against).
Darnay Holmes
Career: 38 G, 11 GS (9 at CB, 2 at NB)
A fourth-round pick (No. 110 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft, Holmes has played 38 games with 11 starts over the last three seasons. He played a career-high 15 games in 2022 and recorded new high marks in tackles (38), tackles for loss (two) and passes defensed (eight). The 5-foot-10, 195-pound corner has played primarily in the slot since being drafted by the Giants.
Nick McCloud
Career: 16 G, 8 GS (7 at CB, 1 at NB)
After going undrafted in 2021, McCloud saw limited action in two games with the Bengals as a rookie. He then landed back with the Bills, who he spent the last two training camps with, before being waived at the end of camp. The Giants claimed McCloud off waivers prior to the start of the season, and the 6-foot-1, 190-pound corner went on to play a large role in the secondary.
McCloud played 14 games with eight starts, racking up 43 tackles (35 solo), 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and seven pass breakups as he spent time both in the slot and outside.
Rodarius Williams
Career: 8 G, 1 GS (1 at CB)
Originally a sixth-round pick (No. 201 overall) by the Giants in 2021, Williams has played eight games with one start over the last two seasons. In three games last year, the 6-foot, 195-pound corner registered 15 solo tackles, one interception and two passes defensed. Williams played in five games as a rookie before suffering a torn ACL and missing the remainder of the season.
Zyon Gilbert
Career: 3 G, 1 GS (1 at CB)
Gilbert signed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent last year, following a strong collegiate career at Florida Atlantic where he finished as the school's all-time leader in games played (57). While spending most of the season on the practice squad, Gilbert ended up playing in three games with one start. He recorded 14 tackles (10 solo) and one sack in limited action.
Xavier McKinney
Career: 32 G, 29 GS (28 at S, 1 at CB)
McKinney has played 32 games with 29 starts since being the team's second-round pick (No. 36 overall) in 2020. In his second season, the 6-foot, 201-pound safety played all 17 games (16 starts) and registered 93 tackles (59 solo), 10 passes defensed and five interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. After getting his 2022 campaign off to a strong start, McKinney suffered a hand injury during the team's bye week which forced him to miss seven games in the second half of the season. He finished the year with 45 tackles (29 solo), one sack, two tackles for loss, five passes defensed and one forced fumble in nine games. McKinney played well in the postseason as he picked up 16 tackles (eight solo), one sack, one forced fumble and two pass breakups in the two games.
Dane Belton
Career: 15 G, 5 GS (all 5 at S)
An injury suffered during training camp caused Belton to miss the season opener, but the rookie made a splash in his NFL debut in Week 2. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound safety recovered a fumble on the very first play of the game against the Panthers and never looked back. Belton, a fourth-round pick (No. 114 overall), ended up playing 15 games with five starts and recorded 31 tackles (24 solo), one tackle for loss, two interceptions, three pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. He finished with a passer rating against of 56.6.
Jason Pinnock
Career: 26 G, 7 GS (all 7 at S)
Pinnock was originally a fifth-round pick (No. 175 overall) of the Jets in 2021. The 6-foot, 205-pound safety played 12 games with two starts as a rookie and forced two fumbles. Pinnock was waived at the end of training camp last year, which led to the Giants claiming him prior to the start of the season. He went on to play 14 games with five starts, primarily at safety, and recorded 41 tackles (34 solo), 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hits, three passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Trenton Thompson
Career: 1 G
Signed as a rookie free agent last season, Thompson appeared in one game for the Giants and played 12 snaps on special teams while spending the rest of the season on the practice squad. He played in 57 games with 31 starts in seasons at San Diego State, where he was named First-Team All-Mountain West in 2021.
Terrell Burgess
Career: 31 G, 3 GS (all 3 at S)
Burgess was originally selected in the third round (No. 104 overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Rams. He played in 30 games with three starts for Los Angeles across three seasons before being waived last November. The Giants signed the 5-foot-11, 202-pound safety to the practice squad a few days later. Burgess ended up appearing in one game for the Giants, playing five snaps on special teams.
The departures
Julian Love
New Team: Seattle Seahawks
Career: 64 G, 32 GS (31 at S, 1 at CB)
Love signed with the Seahawks after spending his first four seasons with the Giants. Selected in the fourth round (No. 108 overall) in 2019, Love played 64 games with 32 starts over the last four years. He registered a total of 291 tackles (192 solo), five interceptions, 18 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 1.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and four quarterback hits. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound safety was voted a team captain for the first time in 2022.
Fabian Moreau
New Team: N/A
Career: 90 G, 45 GS (44 at CB, 1 at S)
The Giants signed Moreau to the practice squad just days before the start of the 2022 campaign. He wound up signing to the active roster, where he played 14 games with 11 starts and finished with 66 tackles (50 solo) and 10 passes defensed. Moreau was a third-round pick by the Commanders back in 2017. After four seasons in Washington, the veteran corner spent the 2021 season with the Falcons and last year's training camp with the Texans before ending up with the Giants.
Tony Jefferson
New Team: N/A
Career: 113 G, 67 GS (All 67 at S)
Similar to Moreau, Jefferson was signed to the practice squad just prior to the start of the 2022 season. After being elevated for the first two games of the season, the veteran safety was eventually promoted to the active roster. He played in nine games with one start and recorded 23 tackles (16 solo) and one pass breakup. Prior to signing with the Giants, Jefferson spent time with the Cardinals (2013-16), Ravens (2017-19), 49ers (2021), and Ravens (2021) after going undrafted in 2013.
Landon Collins
New Team: N/A
Career: 100 G, 95 GS (94 at S, 1 at WLB)
Collins returned for his second stint with the Giants last season. Originally a second-round pick (No. 33 overall) by the Giants in 2015, Collins made three Pro Bowls in his first four years. He then signed with the Commanders, where he spent three seasons. Collins was a free agent before joining the Giants' practiced squad in early October. Over the course of the season, he played six games with one start and registered 15 tackles (seven solo), one sack, one interception (which he returned for a touchdown) and two pass breakups. Collins lined up all over the field in his limited action with the Giants, including time at inside linebacker.
Step into the new draft room as the Giants make their picks for the 2023 class.
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Mike Groh Wide Receivers Coach, Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Kevin Abrams Senior Vice President of Football Operations & Strategy, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Hannah Burnett College Area Scout – Midlands
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Hannah Burnett College Area Scout – Midlands
Kevin Abrams Senior Vice President of Football Operations & Strategy
Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Tim McDonnell Director of Player Personnel, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer
Ronnie Barnes Senior Vice President, Medical Services/Head Athletic Trainer, Jerry Meade Vice President of Security, Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer, Don Martindale Defensive Coordinator, Jessie Armstead Special Assistant to the General Manager, Chris Mara Senior Vice President, Player Personnel
Brendan Prophett College Area Scout – Midwest
Patrick Hanscomb College Area Scout – Mid-Atlantic
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Ronnie Barnes Senior Vice President, Medical Services/Head Athletic Trainer, Jerry Meade Vice President of Security, Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer, Don Martindale Defensive Coordinator, Jessie Armstead Special Assistant to the General Manager, Chris Mara Senior Vice President, Player Personnel
Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer
Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Tim McDonnell Director of Player Personnel, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Tim McDonnell Director of Player Personnel, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel
Kevin Abrams Senior Vice President of Football Operations & Strategy
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Jeremy Breit National Scout, Marcus Cooper College Area Scout – Southeast
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Marquis Pendleton College Area Scout – Northeast
Scott Hamel Area Scout – Southwest
Chris Rossetti Director of Pro Scouting
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer
Chris Mara Senior Vice President, Player Personnel
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Chris Mara Senior Vice President, Player Personnel
Jerry Meade Vice President of Security, Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer
Jeremy Breit National Scout
Chris Mara Senior Vice President, Player Personnel
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Marcus Cooper College Area Scout – Southeast
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Tyseer Siam Director of Football Data & Innovation
