If the Giants pass on Shedeur Sanders, they will likely take the “Best Player Available” approach. That decision comes down to two blue-chip prospects: Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter. While Carter is an explosive edge rusher and linebacker with game-changing potential, New York’s biggest strength already lies in its defensive front. With dominant forces like Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Brian Burns, plus the addition of Chauncey Gholston, the Giants are well-stocked at the position.
Photo Cred: Reddit
Additionally, this draft class is particularly deep at defensive line and linebacker, meaning the Giants can still find impact players later—potentially with Deone Walker in the third round, per my mock draft. Hunter, on the other hand, is a rare, generational talent who not only boasts elite skills but also fills multiple positional needs. With Adoree’ Jackson’s departure, Hunter could step in as a starting cornerback opposite Paulson Adebo, giving the Giants a formidable duo in the secondary.
His versatility as a two-way player also makes him an asset on offense, where he could take snaps at receiver alongside Malik Nabers, providing the Giants with a dynamic playmaker who impacts both sides of the ball. If the Giants solve their immediate quarterback concerns by signing a veteran in free agency, they will have the flexibility to take the most talented player available at No. 3 while still addressing the quarterback position later in the draft. That’s where Jaxson Dart comes into play.
Dart is an intriguing prospect with elite ball placement, toughness, and mobility. While he may not carry the same hype as the top quarterbacks in this class, he has the raw tools and ceiling to develop into a franchise quarterback. His experience in a pro-style offense at Ole Miss, combined with his natural playmaking ability, makes him a worthy investment. Additionally, his connection to Giants history—having played at the same college as franchise legend Eli Manning—adds an extra layer of intrigue for New York fans.
Photo Cred: USA Today
Given the demand for quarterbacks, the Giants may need to trade back into the late first round to secure Dart, as teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers could be in the mix for a quarterback at that point. However, if it means landing a generational talent like Hunter while still securing their potential quarterback of the future, it’s a move worth considering. By executing this strategy, the Giants could walk away with both a dynamic playmaker and a promising young signal-caller, setting them up for long-term success.
