With the NFL Draft two months away, speculation surrounds the New York Giants’ plans for the third overall pick.
The team’s biggest need is finding a franchise quarterback to lead them for the next decade. While the Giants will likely sign a veteran quarterback in free agency, they also need to draft one. Teams selecting third typically have a strong chance at landing a top quarterback prospect. However, the 2025 draft class projects to have only two quarterbacks with first-round grades: Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
This situation has led many to expect the Giants to trade up with the Tennessee Titans or Cleveland Browns to secure either Ward or Sanders. However, trading up for quarterbacks who don’t grade as highly as last year’s top prospects would be unwise.
Here are three reasons why the Giants should keep their draft capital and stay at No. 3.
Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, or Travis Hunter Will Likely Be Available at No. 3
While Ward and Sanders are the top quarterbacks available, many consider Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter the draft’s best overall prospects. This increases the likelihood that either Sanders or Ward will be available at No. 3.
Though quarterback remains the Giants’ biggest need, they have several holes on both sides of the ball. Some analysts suggest drafting Hunter, Sanders’ Colorado teammate, who can impact both offense and defense.
Hunter’s rare versatility showed throughout his collegiate career. He recorded 153 receptions for 1,979 yards and 20 touchdowns in two years at Colorado while also intercepting seven passes as a cornerback. With Deonte Banks regressing in his second season and the defense managing only five interceptions all season, Hunter’s versatility would strengthen the secondary while providing 10-15 offensive snaps alongside Malik Nabers.
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Quality Quarterbacks Available Later in Draft
While Ward and Sanders lead this quarterback class, no one knows how other prospects rank on general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll’s draft board.
Some analysts believe the Giants are interested in Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who threw for 11,970 yards and 81 touchdowns in his collegiate career. Ranked as the third-best quarterback by some evaluators, Dart could be available when the Giants select 35th overall in the second round.
Other Day 2 quarterback prospects include Texas’ Quinn Ewers and Louisville’s Tyler Shough. Though these names might not immediately excite fans, all have appeared in over 30 games – experience the franchise traditionally values in quarterback prospects.
If Daboll truly is a quarterback guru, he should be able to develop a Day 2 prospect into a capable NFL starter.
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Too Many Roster Holes to Sacrifice Draft Capital
The Giants’ 2024 season exposed talent deficiencies across multiple positions. Schoen has faced criticism for trading away draft capital despite the team’s need for depth. In the 2024 NFL Draft, he traded up to select Banks and Jalin Hyatt – moves that, in hindsight, appear less valuable than keeping the original picks.
Though moving up just one spot for Ward or Sanders seems minimal, both the Titans and Browns recognize the Giants’ quarterback desperation and will likely demand significant draft compensation.
The NFL Draft remains unpredictable, especially with this class. While trading up to secure their top-rated player may be tempting, the Giants’ best move is staying at No. 3.
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