Joe Schoen is navigating a delicate balance as he looks to position the New York Giants for success in 2025 while ensuring long-term stability. The team has been aggressive in seeking a veteran quarterback, with options like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson on the table.
However, the Giants’ quarterback decision in free agency could significantly influence their approach to the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Finding the Right Quarterback Fit The prevailing expectation is that the Giants will draft a quarterback at No. 3, though the situation remains fluid. With Miami’s Cam Ward projected as the first overall pick by the Tennessee Titans, the Giants find themselves in an interesting position. If Schoen believes no quarterback warrants a third-overall selection, he may opt for the best available player while addressing the quarterback spot later in the draft.
Travis Hunter: The Ultimate Wild Card If the Giants choose to bypass a quarterback in favor of a generational talent, Colorado’s Travis Hunter presents an intriguing option. Hunter, a standout two-way player, is arguably the best pure football talent in this draft. He excels at both wide receiver and cornerback, having posted 1,258 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, and an impressive 79.3% catch rate last season. His skills as a lockdown defensive back only add to his appeal. If Schoen aims to secure a game-changing player, regardless of position, Hunter is a talent that could force the Giants to reconsider their draft strategy.
Trading Back Into the First Round If the Giants decide to take Hunter at No. 3, they may need to get creative to secure their quarterback of the future. One possibility is trading back into the mid-20s to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. Dart, 21, has the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. He threw for 4,276 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just six interceptions last season, demonstrating his ability to push the ball downfield while limiting mistakes. His mechanics need refinement, but with proper coaching and a year to develop behind a veteran starter, Dart could become a franchise quarterback.
Currently, the Giants hold the 34th overall pick in the second round and have a compensatory selection at No. 99. To move back into the first round, they could package these picks along with their 2026 second-rounder to a team looking to accumulate future assets.
Potential Trade Partners Teams in the mid-to-late 20s, such as the Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers, or Minnesota Vikings, might be open to trading down in exchange for additional 2026 draft capital. With this year’s draft class not as deep as next year’s, teams may prioritize stockpiling picks for what is expected to be a stronger 2026 draft.
If the Giants struggle in 2025 due to a challenging schedule, their 2026 second-rounder could hold even greater value. For a competitive team, trading down to accumulate future picks while still securing talent in the first round could be an enticing prospect.
A High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy By executing this strategy, the Giants could land a generational talent like Hunter at No. 3 while still securing a potential franchise quarterback in Dart. This approach would allow them to stay competitive in 2025 with a veteran quarterback, while also preserving flexibility for the future with their 2026 first-round pick.
While this plan involves a degree of risk, it offers the Giants the possibility of acquiring immediate impact talent and a long-term solution at quarterback.
