Saquon Barkley wants to return to the New York Giants. General manager Joe Schoen has expressed guarded optimism about re-signing the Pro Bowl running back, who will become a free agent next month.
But in its latest first-round mock for the 2023 NFL Draft, Pro Football Network has the Giants using the No. 25 pick overall to select Barkley’s successor, Texas’ Bijan Robinson.
If Bijan Robinson falls this far in the first round, there’s no reason to believe the Giants would let him slip past them. Robinson is an elite runner with above-average pass-catching abilities. He’s a special talent that makes tackles for loss turn into first downs with ease. His quick feet makes defenders look ridiculous in a phone booth. Robinson’s going to be a stud at the next level.
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The Philadelphia Eagles have a pair of first-round picks thanks to last year’s trade with the New Orleans Saints.
At No. 10, the Eagles are projected to pick Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
He’s still a fairly raw prospect, but Witherspoon’s size and intensity make for a potentially great player in the NFL.
At No. 30, Philadelphia is projected to select Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson.
Mobile quarterbacks would struggle to get past Simpson thanks to his athleticism, and the power in his frame would send a message that many quarterbacks would receiver after just one hit.
In four of the last five years, the New York Jets have picked in the top five. But this year, they sit at No. 13 and are projected to select Alabama safety Brian Branch.
He’s a consistent player that can play safety and nickel, which would help (Sauce) Gardner and New York.
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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.