NFL Draft 2025: Giants GM Joe Schoen Talks QB Strategy and Team Needs

Giants' Draft Strategy: Flexibility and Thorough Evaluation

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen is keeping all options open. With the third overall pick, the Giants are in a prime position to make significant changes to their roster. Schoen emphasized the importance of thoroughly evaluating prospects, particularly at the quarterback position.

"We've got a lot of work to do on the number three pick," Schoen stated. "We've done a lot of work throughout the fall on college prospects, but this phase of the calendar is about getting to know who they are as people, what the fit's going to be."

Schoen highlighted the team's willingness to consider various scenarios, including trading up or down in the draft order. He noted that while no concrete discussions have taken place yet, the combine serves as a starting point for these conversations with other teams.

Quarterback Position: A Top Priority

With Tommy DeVito currently the only quarterback on the Giants' roster, addressing this position is clearly a top priority for the team. Schoen acknowledged the importance of improving quarterback play:

"I think it's the most important position in football... We need better play out of that position than what we've had, and that'll help us."

The Giants are considering multiple avenues to strengthen their quarterback room:

1. Drafting a rookie
2. Signing a veteran free agent
3. Exploring trade opportunities

Schoen emphasized the need for balance, stating, "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."

Evaluating Quarterback Prospects

When asked about the most important traits in a quarterback, Schoen highlighted two key factors:

1. Completions
2. Winning

However, he also stressed that quarterback evaluation goes beyond physical attributes and on-field performance. Schoen elaborated on the complexities of the position:

"It's not just processing information, it's not getting guys lined up, it's not leading. It's 'hey, you lose two in a row, who's the guy that's going to come in the locker room and rally the troops?' Who's the first one in, who's the last one to leave, who's going to elevate everybody around them?"

The Giants' GM also emphasized the importance of a quarterback's ability to handle pressure, both on and off the field, particularly in the unique media market of New York.

Draft Day Approach: Best Player Available

Schoen stressed the importance of entering draft day with a roster capable of playing a game, even if it's not at the desired level. This approach allows the team to focus on selecting the best player available rather than drafting purely based on need.

"Having a vet in place... where when you go into draft day, you could go play a game now. Is your team going to be as good as you want it to be? No, but you still got the draft. So you prevent some of the draft for need and you're able to take the best player available."

Salary Cap Considerations

The Giants are in a favorable position regarding their salary cap situation. Schoen noted, "Where we are financially, from a salary cap health standpoint, we're in good shape. We have premium draft capital."

This financial flexibility, combined with their draft position, gives the Giants multiple options for improving their roster through free agency and the draft.

Free Agency and Current Roster

Schoen mentioned that discussions with the team's free agents, including key starters from the previous season, will take place during the combine week. He specifically mentioned offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, center Nick Gates, and wide receiver Darius Slayton as players whose contracts are expiring.

The GM also noted that the team is still waiting on the final salary cap numbers, which will influence their approach to free agency and roster decisions.

Reflecting on Past Decisions and Future Outlook

Entering his fourth year as the Giants' GM, Schoen acknowledged the need for improvement following a three-win season. He reflected on some past decisions that didn't work out as planned but remained optimistic about the team's future:

"We have the resources to improve the roster, and that's what's exciting about this time of year."

Combine Participation and Pro Days

When asked about prospects choosing not to throw at the combine, Schoen expressed understanding and flexibility. He emphasized that the team's scouting staff has already seen these players throw multiple times in games and practices.

"If a guy decides he doesn't want to throw and he wants to throw at his pro day, I'm okay with that," Schoen stated. He added that a poor throwing session at the combine wouldn't necessarily hurt a prospect's evaluation, given the unfamiliarity with receivers and the artificial nature of the setting.

Specific Prospect Evaluations

While Schoen refrained from comparing specific quarterback prospects, he did offer some insights into Cal quarterback Cam Rising. He noted Rising's ability to lead comebacks and perform in high-pressure situations:

"Those are traits that you look for... they got to have it moments, whether it's Virginia Tech, that Cal game, to bring a team back when everybody in the building knows you're going to throw it, that you can throw it."

Conclusion: A Crucial Offseason for the Giants

As the Giants approach the 2025 NFL Draft, it's clear that Joe Schoen and his staff are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to improve the team. With a focus on quarterback evaluation, roster flexibility, and thorough prospect analysis, the Giants are poised to make significant moves in the coming months.

The team's approach to the draft and free agency will be crucial in determining their success in the upcoming season. With a combination of financial resources, draft capital, and a clear understanding of their needs, the Giants have the tools necessary to build a competitive roster.

As Schoen put it, "It's an exciting time of year for us and a chance to make some change on the roster." Giants fans will be eagerly watching as the team navigates this critical offseason, hoping that the decisions made in the coming weeks will lay the foundation for a successful 2025 campaign and beyond.

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