In a crucial move to recalibrate franchise expectations and potentially reshape the future for both general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, the New York Giants have been presented with a dream scenario in the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN draft expert Matt Miller has predicted that Big Blue could address two glaring needs with their first two picks, solidifying both their offensive and defensive leadership for years to come.
A New Offensive Leader: Cam Ward at No. 3
The Giants’ quest for a new franchise quarterback took a significant turn in Miller’s projection, with Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward falling to the team at No. 3 overall. Ward’s selection would fill the team’s most pressing need following the departure of Daniel Jones and a glaring lack of consistent leadership at the position. As Miller highlighted, the Giants had passed on top quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix in 2024, opting for a wide receiver in Malik Nabers instead.
Now, with Ward available, the Giants would secure a dynamic dual-threat quarterback with a powerful arm and the ability to move within the pocket—attributes that head coach Daboll requires to maximize Nabers’ potential. According to Miller, Ward is a quarterback who can not only push the ball downfield but also create plays with his feet, offering a versatility that would reinvigorate the Giants’ offense. If Ward develops into the player his talents suggest, New York would finally have the signal-caller needed to compete with NFC East rivals like Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, and Jayden Daniels.
Defensive Leadership: Malaki Starks at No. 34
In the second round, Miller predicted the Giants would target their defensive “signal-caller” in Georgia safety Malaki Starks, who many believe could have gone in the first round. After allowing free safety Xavier McKinney to walk in free agency, the Giants have been missing a leader in their secondary. Starks, a versatile 6-foot-1, 205-pound free safety, would immediately provide an upgrade with his ability to play both deep in coverage and in the slot. As Miller noted, he is a natural fit for working over the top of a defense and would complement the Giants’ secondary for years to come.
Starks’ potential impact as an immediate starter would address one of the Giants’ most significant weaknesses—finding a true playmaker in the backfield. His talent was evident at Georgia, where he became an impact player from his freshman year, and his preparation under coach Kirby Smart’s defense would make him an ideal fit for the NFL. His tackling ability has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best, and Starks has been described as a potential “franchise cornerstone” for whichever team selects him.
A Draft That Solves Two Glaring Holes
If Miller’s prediction comes to fruition, the Giants would hit a home run in the draft by solving their two most urgent needs in one fell swoop. A pairing of Starks and Tyler Nubin at safety could provide stability and playmaking ability for years to come, while Ward’s development as the future of the offense would signal a new era for New York’s football program.
By adding these two players, the Giants would finally get their quarterback of the future, allowing them to compete in the highly competitive NFC East. More importantly, they’d acquire a dynamic safety capable of anchoring the defense and stepping up in crucial moments. With this draft haul, the Giants would take a significant step toward recalibrating their franchise and ensuring a bright future under Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll.
