As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on the New York Giants and their pivotal No. 3 overall pick. With quarterback rumors swirling for months, Giants general manager Joe Schoen may have just shifted the narrative.
Speaking to reporters this week, Schoen hinted that the team is no longer locked into selecting a quarterback at the top of the draft, thanks to recent moves in free agency.
“With the signing of those two players, I think we put ourselves in a position where I don’t think that’s mandatory,” Schoen said, addressing speculation about the team’s need for a quarterback.
While Schoen didn’t name the players outright in that quote, he was referring to the Giants’ recent additions of veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett and wide receiver Mike Williams. Brissett brings a stable, experienced presence under center, while Williams, when healthy, provides a much-needed weapon on the outside.
The Giants’ 2024 season was marked by inconsistency at quarterback, with Daniel Jones struggling with injuries and backup options failing to provide the needed spark. Many believed the team would use their high draft pick to reset the quarterback position with a young signal-caller like UNC’s Drake Maye or Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. However, Schoen’s comments suggest the front office may feel less pressure to force a quarterback pick.
“We’re going to take the best player available,” Schoen emphasized. “You never want to pass on a potential All-Pro just because of positional need.”
That sentiment opens the door for a variety of possibilities at No. 3, including top offensive tackles like Joe Alt, standout receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. (if available), or even a trade-down scenario to accumulate more draft capital.
Still, fans and analysts alike know that quarterback remains a long-term question mark. Daniel Jones’ future in New York is far from secure, and Brissett, while capable, is seen as a short-term bridge. Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll may be betting on roster flexibility and depth rather than pigeonholing the franchise into a single position decision.
The Giants’ draft strategy will likely remain under wraps until the moment they’re on the clock—but Schoen’s latest comments hint at a team keeping all options open.
For now, the message is clear: a quarterback at No. 3? It’s possible. But according to Joe Schoen, it’s not mandatory.
