As the NFL draft approaches, the New York Giants find themselves at a pivotal crossroads with the No. 3 overall pick. The buzz surrounding this decision is palpable, as the team weighs the prospects of selecting a talented quarterback versus opting for one of the elite non-quarterbacks that has caught the eyes of scouts nationwide.
All eyes are on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders as a potential quarterback choice, but he isn’t the only player generating excitement. Both Travis Hunter, a standout dual-threat wide receiver and cornerback, and Penn State’s edge rusher Abdul Carter have emerged as elite prospects. Many analysts believe whichever player the Cleveland Browns pass on at No. 2 will likely be the Giants’ selection.
Giants General Manager Joe Schoen recently expressed the importance of identifying a “blue-chip or generational-type talent.” He emphasized that finding such a player is crucial, even when a team may already have established starters at that position. That sentiment underscores the stakes of this decision, especially with Carter and Hunter presenting themselves as players teams simply can’t afford to overlook.
Carter has garnered attention for his explosive style of play; some scouts have even likened him to legendary pass rusher Von Miller. After racking up 12 sacks in his first year as an edge rusher following two years as a linebacker, Carter’s versatility could complement the Giants’ current defensive lineup, which features talents like Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. One NFL coach has even suggested he might be the next Micah Parsons, adding to the hype around Carter.
On the other hand, Hunter’s rare duality makes him a compelling option. With the ability to excel at both wide receiver and cornerback, he presents an enticing solution for the Giants, who are still searching for depth at both positions. The Giants’ offense, which ranked 31st last season, could greatly benefit from adding a player of Hunter’s caliber, especially with the team’s limited offensive additions this offseason. Coach Brian Daboll has hinted that they wouldn’t hesitate to use Hunter in both roles, providing an intriguing prospect for how the Giants could employ their new talent.
As for the quarterback position, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart could serve as an unexpected wildcard. While not a namesake at the top of many draft boards, some insiders believe Dart is a favorite for Daboll. Although it may seem far-fetched to target him with the third pick, Dart’s strong performance—he’s recorded the second most completions of 20-plus yards in the past three years—could position him as a viable option if the Giants opt to trade back into the first round.
In a twist, Shedeur Sanders remains a polarizing figure. Despite frequent visits from Giants scouts throughout the season, questions linger regarding his skill set at the professional level. Although some in the organization see potential, concerns about Sanders not showcasing elite traits could ultimately hinder his appeal. While there may be a possibility he could be a valuable pick later in the draft, using the No. 3 pick on him appears more problematic given the overall sentiment surrounding his talent.
As the Giants prepare for this high-stakes choice, two paths clearly emerge: they can opt for the guaranteed star power of Carter or Hunter, or gamble on a quarterback prospect who may not carry the same weight in this draft class. Whatever they decide, it’s a critical juncture for a franchise looking to build for a brighter future. The weight of this pick has the potential to shape the team’s trajectory for years to come.
