When it comes to the NFL draft, preparation isn’t just important—it’s crucial for success. For the New York Giants, general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are leaving nothing to chance. They are ensuring that when draft night arrives, they won’t be caught off guard.
And it all starts with securing the right quarterback.
The Stafford Plan Revisited
The Giants’ interest in acquiring Matthew Stafford wasn’t solely about adding a veteran presence under center—it was about flexibility. Stafford’s potential arrival was part of a broader strategy to buy the Giants time and give them the freedom to select the best player available, regardless of position, in the 2025 draft. Although Stafford has now re-signed with the Rams, the Giants’ approach remains unchanged. This offseason, they are patiently awaiting Aaron Rodgers’ decision on his future. Despite his age, Rodgers is still the top free-agent quarterback. Last season, even in an offense that didn’t play to his strengths, Rodgers threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Under Brian Daboll’s quarterback-friendly schemes, Rodgers could find a resurgence in his career. Acquiring Rodgers would provide the Giants with immediate stability, allowing them to focus on talent rather than filling a need at quarterback during the draft.
Avoiding the Shedeur Sanders Risk
The Giants are hesitant to commit to Shedeur Sanders as their future quarterback with the third overall pick. While Sanders could become a great quarterback, opinions on him are divided—some view him as a future star, while others think he’s overrated. The Giants can’t afford to take a risk on an unproven quarterback if safer, more reliable options are available. They would rather allow another team to take a chance on Sanders and instead select a sure thing at a position of need. This strategy allows the Giants to continue building a talented roster and gives them the ability to groom a future quarterback behind a proven veteran.
Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter: The BPA Dilemma
The best player available (BPA) strategy isn’t new, but this year the Giants have the chance to make a transformative pick. If they decide to pass on drafting a quarterback at No. 3, they could choose between two generational talents: Travis Hunter from Colorado or Abdul Carter from Penn State.
Hunter is a rare talent—capable of becoming a top receiver or a lockdown corner. His after-the-catch ability is extraordinary, totaling 475 yards after receptions last season. With refined route running, he could develop into a star receiver, and pairing him with Malik Nabers would create a dynamic offense. On defense, Hunter has elite potential as a cornerback, with the instincts and physicality that would translate immediately to the NFL.
Abdul Carter, on the other hand, is a dominant pass rusher with explosive speed and immense potential. Adding Carter to the Giants’ defensive line would immediately strengthen their pass rush and bring a level of intensity similar to the dominant Giants pass rushers of the past. Pairing him with their current defensive talent could solidify a feared pass rush for years to come.
Flexibility Is the Key to the Giants’ Future
The Giants’ approach is calculated and strategic. By securing a reliable quarterback in free agency, they remove the pressure to select a polarizing quarterback prospect in the draft. This gives them the freedom to choose a talent like Hunter or Carter without hesitation, bolstering their roster and setting up the team for long-term success. Having a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback like Rodgers also provides a perfect environment for any rookie quarterback they may select later, allowing them to develop at a natural pace rather than being rushed onto the field. In the meantime, adding a player like Hunter makes the Giants a more attractive destination for future quarterbacks and gives Daboll’s offense a powerful duo alongside Nabers.
By carefully planning their strategy and waiting for Rodgers’ decision, the Giants have set themselves up for success. When draft day arrives, they will be in a position to make a move that builds toward long-term excellence, rather than making a desperate, short-term decision.
