Giants' QB1 for 2025 NFL Draft: Cam Ward Emerges as Top Choice

Giants Eyeing Cam Ward as QB1 in 2025 NFL Draft

The New York Giants' quarterback search for the 2025 NFL Draft has taken an interesting turn. Despite previous speculation pointing to Shedeur Sanders as the Giants' top target, recent information suggests that Miami quarterback Cam Ward has emerged as the team's true QB1 heading into the draft.

Joe Schoen's Draft Strategy

Giants General Manager Joe Schoen has been tight-lipped about the team's draft plans, but his recent comments at the NFL Scouting Combine have provided some insight:

"We've done a lot of work on those two [Ward and Sanders]," Schoen said. "I know a lot of people were talking about those two, but there's other quarterbacks throughout the draft and we're excited to get around those guys as well."

Schoen's careful wording may be part of a larger strategy to keep the Giants' true intentions under wraps. By not committing to any specific quarterback, the team maintains flexibility and potentially avoids driving up the price for their preferred choice.

The Case for Cam Ward

Cam Ward's stock has been rising steadily throughout the college football season and draft process. Here are some key factors that make him an attractive option for the Giants:

1. Playmaking Ability: Ward excels both inside and outside the pocket, showcasing the ability to extend plays and make throws from various arm angles.

2. Leadership: Described as an "alpha dog" by those who know him, Ward's confidence and leadership qualities are highly valued.

3. Rapid Development: Ward's journey from a wing-T offense in high school to becoming a Heisman Trophy candidate at Miami demonstrates his ability to adapt and improve quickly.

4. Arm Talent: Ward possesses one of the strongest arms in the draft class, allowing him to make all the necessary NFL throws.

5. Upside: Many scouts believe Ward is just scratching the surface of his potential, making him an intriguing long-term prospect.

Comparing Ward to Sanders

While both Ward and Sanders are considered top quarterback prospects, there are some key differences:

• Playing Style: Ward is seen as more of a dual-threat quarterback with superior ability to make plays outside the pocket.
• Arm Strength: Ward is generally regarded as having a stronger arm than Sanders.
• Experience: Sanders has more high-profile college experience, having played at Colorado and Florida State.
• Accuracy: Sanders is considered slightly more accurate on short to intermediate throws.

Giants' Draft Position and Trade-Up Possibilities

The Giants currently hold the 3rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, if they truly believe Cam Ward is their franchise quarterback, they may need to trade up to secure him. Reports suggest that the team is exploring options to move up to the #1 overall pick, currently held by the Tennessee Titans.

Trading up would likely require a significant package of draft picks, potentially including future first-round selections. The Giants must weigh the cost of moving up against the potential impact of landing their top quarterback choice.

Joe Schoen's Job Security and the Quarterback Decision

The decision to draft a quarterback in the first round could have significant implications for Joe Schoen's future with the organization. Selecting the right quarterback could buy Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll more time to build a contender, even if the team's record doesn't immediately improve in 2025.

Schoen emphasized the importance of addressing the quarterback position in his combine press conference:

"Tommy DeVito is our only quarterback on the roster so... we're going to have to address the position somewhere. Even if you get a young quarterback, you'd like to have a vet in the room with them to show them the ropes and how to be a pro."

The Potential Smokescreen

There's speculation that the Giants' apparent interest in Shedeur Sanders may have been a smokescreen to hide their true intentions of targeting Cam Ward. By creating the impression that Sanders was their top choice, the Giants may have been trying to prevent other teams (particularly the Titans) from using that information as leverage in potential trade negotiations.

Expert Opinion: Greg Cosell on Ward and Sanders

NFL analyst Greg Cosell shared his thoughts on both quarterbacks:

On Cam Ward: "He's got the highest level traits of any quarterback in this draft and he's got the kind of traits that succeed in the league. He can play from the pocket, he can make plays outside of structure... I've heard he's an alpha dog as a leader."

On Shedeur Sanders: "He's a different kind of player. He needs a team around him. He's a pocket quarterback, and in the NFL, guys who are kind of pure pocket quarterbacks have to be super high level at everything."

Cosell's analysis aligns with the growing consensus that Ward may have the higher ceiling as an NFL prospect.

Areas for Improvement

While Ward is an exciting prospect, he's not without areas that need refinement:

1. Accuracy on routine throws: Ward sometimes misses on "gimme" throws, an area he'll need to improve at the NFL level.

2. Decision-making: He occasionally tries to do too much, leading to unnecessary risks.

3. Pre and post-snap reads: Like many college quarterbacks, Ward can improve his ability to diagnose defenses and make adjustments.

The Importance of Surrounding Talent

Regardless of which quarterback the Giants select, the team's ability to surround him with talent will be crucial. This includes:

• Improving the offensive line
• Adding playmakers at wide receiver and tight end
• Developing a consistent running game

The Giants' front office must focus on building a complete offense to give their new quarterback the best chance for success.

Veteran Quarterback Plans

In addition to drafting a rookie, Schoen has expressed interest in adding a veteran quarterback to the roster. This could serve two purposes:

1. Providing mentorship and guidance to the rookie quarterback
2. Giving the team a potential starter if the rookie isn't ready to take the reins immediately

Names like Aaron Rodgers, Sam Darnold, and Russell Wilson have been linked to the Giants in various rumors.

Fan Reaction and Expectations

Giants fans are understandably eager to see the team address the quarterback position after years of uncertainty. The selection of either Ward or Sanders would likely be met with excitement, but it's important for fans to temper expectations and allow time for development.

Conclusion: A Franchise-Defining Decision

The Giants' quarterback decision in the 2025 NFL Draft could shape the franchise for years to come. While Cam Ward appears to be emerging as the favorite, the team's ultimate choice will depend on a variety of factors, including:

• Pre-draft interviews and workouts
• Medical evaluations
• Trade negotiations with other teams
• Overall draft strategy and value assessment

Regardless of who the Giants select, the pressure will be on Joe Schoen, Brian Daboll, and the entire organization to develop their new quarterback and build a competitive team around him. The coming weeks leading up to the draft promise to be filled with excitement and speculation for Giants fans eager to see who will be the next face of their franchise.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmmwA-roe0w