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Oregon Ducks defensive back Christian Gonzalez. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Three potential CB targets for Giants in 2023 NFL Draft

By Colum Dell | Last updated 12/6/22

In the 2023 NFL Draft, wide receiver is the New York Giants' biggest positional need, but the team clearly has holes on defense, too.

New York's D-line is its most impressive position group, but the lack of talent in the secondary limits the overall potential of the defense. With better corners, the Giants easily could have surpassed their total of 25 sacks.

In the golden age of wide receivers, the Giants' need for cornerbacks is greater than ever.

Per Tankathon, New York currently holds the No. 23 slot in the first round.

The cornerback class is deep. Here are options for the Giants.

Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

After selecting Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux in last year's draft, could the Giants add another Duck to their defense?

Following his time at Colorado, Gonzalez's lack of production raised some concerns. Despite being an All-Pac-12 honorable mention in 2021, he did not record an interception in two years with the Buffaloes. In January, Gonzalez transferred to Oregon and has since put those concerns to rest.

He was third in the Pac-12 with four interceptions this season. His seven passes defended were tied for ninth among the conference leaders. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he has the ideal size, length and traits of a top NFL corner.

Christian Gonzalez finds someway to stand out each week. ++ instincts here. pic.twitter.com/M5xR5DjDuS
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) November 26, 2022

Regardless of position, there aren’t too many prospects playing better than Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez right now. The second INT last week vs. Colorado showed off a lot of his traits. pic.twitter.com/Y3SOoMmBCo
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) November 9, 2022

Cam Smith, South Carolina

Coming into the year, Pro Football Focus graded the 6-foot, 188-pounder as the second-best returning cornerback in the country.

Eleven passes defended as a redshirt sophomore must have made him a household name among the SEC's quarterbacks. A second-team preseason All-American, Smith saw that total drop to five this season. He had just one interception all year as teams didn't to throw his way. For his career, he has 91 tackles, 18 passes defended and six interceptions.

Mel Kiper ranks Smith as the second-best cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft and the 19th-ranked prospect overall. Kiper attributes Smith's success to his fluid hip movement and ball-tracking skills. He has the instincts and feel in coverage that could make him a premier shutdown corner in the NFL one day.

Smith's physicality and aggressive play style would fit perfectly in New York's defensive scheme.

Throughly impressed by #SouthCarolina DB Cam Smith, in both man and zone coverages. In the last clip, you see Smith hedging between the late leak from TE and flat route, mid-pointing, forcing the short throw.

Single-handed my derailed that red zone trip.pic.twitter.com/KEfCUQJu8L
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) July 30, 2022

Kelee Ringo, Georgia

Once thought to be a surefire top-10 selection, the Georgia Bulldog has seen his stock dip this season. In Kiper's November 2023 Draft Rankings, Ringo fell from the top 25.

At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Ringo has the physical tools and upside to be the draft's best corner. His big frame helps him jam receivers at the line of scrimmage but leaves him vulnerable to deep shots. ESPN's Matt Miller has Ringo as one of two cornerbacks with a first-round grade, comparing him to Dallas Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs.

In Saturday's SEC title game, LSU picked on him. The matchups will not get any easier with Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka lining up across from him in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Scouts should get a better sense of where Ringo stands among his fellow prospects in the coming weeks.

If the Bulldogs wish to repeat as national champions, Ringo will need a repeat of his performance from last year's title game.