Giants NFL Draft Strategy: Exploring Trade Scenarios and Quarterback Options

Giants' Draft Strategy: Weighing Trade Options and Quarterback Prospects

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Giants find themselves at a crossroads. With the third overall pick in hand and a need for a franchise quarterback, General Manager Joe Shane faces some crucial decisions that could shape the team's future for years to come.

The Shedeur Sanders Conundrum

Recent reports have indicated that the Giants are conducting private workouts with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, along with other QB prospects like Tyler Shuck and Jaylen Milroe. This has led to speculation about whether the team is considering Sanders with the third overall pick or potentially trading back into the first round to select him.

Peter Schrager of ESPN, known for his connections with Joe Shane, has suggested that the Giants might take linebacker Abdul Carter at No. 3 and then trade up for Sanders later in the first round. This scenario seems more likely than using the third pick on Sanders outright.

Potential Trade Partners

If the Giants do decide to trade up for Sanders, they'll need to identify the right spot to make their move. The New Orleans Saints, picking ninth, have been frequently linked to Sanders in mock drafts. This means the Giants would likely need to get ahead of them to secure their target.

One intriguing possibility is the Carolina Panthers at No. 8. Panthers GM Dan Morgan has a close relationship with Joe Shane, dating back to their time together with the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins. This connection could facilitate negotiations and potentially give the Giants an edge in trade talks.

The Cost of Moving Up

Trading from the 34th pick (New York's second-round selection) to the eighth overall pick would be a significant move, requiring substantial draft capital. Using the Rich Hill trade value chart as a reference, the eighth pick is worth approximately 406 points. The Giants' picks at 34, 65, and 99 combined only equal 289 points, leaving a considerable gap to fill.

A realistic trade package might look something like this:

• Giants receive: 8th overall pick
• Panthers receive: 34th pick, 65th pick, 2026 first-round pick

This deal would likely be the bare minimum required to move up, and the Panthers might even push for the inclusion of pick 99 or 104.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

While the opportunity to select a potential franchise quarterback is tempting, there are several factors to consider before making such a significant trade:

1. Future draft capital: Giving up a 2026 first-round pick could limit the team's flexibility in the future, especially if the Giants struggle in 2025.

2. Quarterback readiness: Sanders may not be ready to start immediately, given the Giants' current QB situation with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

3. Roster needs: The Giants have multiple holes to fill, and using their early picks on other positions could help build a stronger overall team.

4. Long-term planning: Waiting until 2026 to draft a quarterback could allow the team to have a rookie on a five-year deal rather than a four-year contract for Sanders.

Alternative Strategies

Instead of trading up for Sanders, the Giants could consider the following approaches:

1. Focus on building the roster: Use their five picks in the top 105 to address multiple needs and acquire potential long-term starters.

2. Wait for 2026: If the team struggles in 2025, they may naturally be in position to draft a top quarterback prospect without trading up.

3. Develop current options: Give Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston a chance to prove themselves in the new system.

4. Trade up in 2026: If the Giants improve in 2025, they could use their accumulated draft capital to move up for a quarterback in the following year's draft.

The Myth of Top-10 Quarterbacks

It's important to remember that franchise quarterbacks can be found outside the top 10 picks. Recent history has shown that successful NFL quarterbacks have come from various draft positions:

• Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs traded up)
• Josh Allen (Bills traded up)
• Lamar Jackson (32nd overall pick)
• Jalen Hurts (53rd overall pick)
• Jordan Love (26th overall pick)

These examples demonstrate that finding a franchise quarterback is not limited to the top of the draft. Teams can identify talent and trade up when necessary, regardless of their initial draft position.

Conclusion

The New York Giants face a complex decision regarding their quarterback situation and draft strategy. While Shedeur Sanders presents an intriguing option, the cost of trading up and the potential long-term implications must be carefully weighed against the team's other needs and future flexibility.

Ultimately, Joe Shane and the Giants' front office will need to determine whether Sanders is truly worth the investment of significant draft capital. If they believe he can be a franchise-altering talent, then a trade-up scenario may be justified. However, if there are any doubts, the smarter play may be to continue building the roster and reassess the quarterback situation in 2026.

Regardless of the decision, Giants fans can take solace in knowing that franchise quarterbacks can be found through various means, and success is not solely determined by draft position. The key is identifying the right talent and having a solid plan for development and team building around the quarterback position.

As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Joe Shane and the Giants' war room, waiting to see which path they choose for the future of the franchise.

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