Joe Schoen is navigating a delicate balancing act as he aims to position the New York Giants for success in both the short term (2025) and the long term. The team has been proactive in targeting a veteran quarterback, with Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson both under consideration.
However, the Giants’ decision regarding a quarterback in free agency could have a significant impact on their strategy for the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Quarterback Dilemma Currently, the Giants are widely expected to take a quarterback with the third pick, though the situation remains fluid. Miami’s Cam Ward is projected to go first overall to the Tennessee Titans, leaving the Giants in an interesting position. If Schoen feels there’s no quarterback deserving of the third pick, he might opt to select the best player available and address the quarterback position later in the draft.
Travis Hunter: A Game-Changer If the Giants choose to go in a different direction and select a top-tier talent, Colorado’s Travis Hunter emerges as a compelling option. Hunter, one of the most versatile players in the draft, stands out as a two-way star, excelling both as a wide receiver and cornerback. He put up impressive numbers in the previous season, including 1,258 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, and a remarkable 79.3% catch rate. Hunter’s ability to play lockdown defense adds even more value, making him a potential game-changer for the Giants.
Trading Back for a Quarterback If the Giants select Hunter at No. 3, they may need to get creative in securing their future quarterback. One possibility is trading back into the first round to grab Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. Dart, 21, had a standout season with 4,276 yards, 29 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, showcasing impressive physical tools and the ability to limit mistakes. With some fine-tuning to his mechanics and a year of development behind a veteran, Dart could evolve into a franchise quarterback.
The Giants own the 34th overall pick and recently acquired the No. 99 pick in the third round. They could package these picks, along with a 2026 second-rounder, to move back into the first round and secure Dart.
Potential Trade Partners Teams like the Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers, or Minnesota Vikings, who are picking in the mid-to-late 20s, could be open to moving down in exchange for additional draft capital in 2026. Given that this year’s draft class is seen as less deep than next year’s, teams might prefer to stockpile future picks for a stronger 2026 draft.
Additionally, if the Giants struggle in 2025, their 2026 second-round pick could become even more valuable. A team looking to build for the future might find trading down for additional assets a smart move.
High-Risk, High-Reward If the Giants execute this plan, they could land a game-changing talent like Hunter at No. 3 while also securing a potential franchise quarterback in Dart. This approach allows them to remain competitive in 2025 with a veteran quarterback and still ensure long-term success with a future star under center.
While this plan requires some luck, it could offer the Giants the best of both worlds—immediate impact talent and a solid long-term quarterback solution.
