In a bold and strategic move, the New York Giants could exit the 2025 NFL Draft with a franchise quarterback and additional draft capital, all without compromising their most pressing need. General manager Joe Schoen is in a prime position to either pick his future quarterback or capitalize on teams vying for top-tier talent, potentially moving down a few spots while still securing his desired player.
A Strategic Move Back
The Giants aren’t the only team eyeing premium prospects, and if Schoen has his sights set on Shedeur Sanders, he could consider trading back a few picks while still landing his quarterback. Teams like Jacksonville, currently sitting at the fifth overall pick, may look to grab a game-changing talent like Travis Hunter, who is widely regarded as a generational prospect. If Hunter is still available when the Giants are on the clock, the Jaguars could be willing to trade up to secure him, offering New York additional draft assets in return.
Additionally, the New England Patriots have expressed interest in Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, a player with serious potential at the NFL level. If the Patriots view Graham as a must-have, they could also be a trade partner for the Giants.
Moving down a few spots could give the Giants an extra second-round pick, providing them the opportunity to improve another position while still taking Sanders as their quarterback of the future.
Banking on Sanders’ Market
While trading back always carries some risk, the reward may outweigh it. The biggest concern is the possibility that another team could leapfrog the Giants to select Sanders. However, this gamble isn’t as risky as it might seem. There’s no consensus that Sanders is a clear top-three pick, and teams ahead of New York, like the Patriots, don’t necessarily need a quarterback. With a move to the fifth pick, it’s unlikely that another team would jump ahead to secure Sanders, meaning the Giants would still get their man while adding an extra pick to help address other needs.
A Calculated Risk
While any trade back in the draft comes with its share of uncertainty, for a team like the Giants—who need more than just a quarterback—it could be the smartest play. By moving down, Schoen could still land Sanders and gain extra capital to strengthen other areas of the roster, such as cornerback, wide receiver, or the defensive line. With the draft still months away, the Giants have plenty of time to carefully consider the best strategy to maximize the value of their third overall pick and reshape their roster for the future.
