Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
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Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants scrambles with the ball against the Chicago Bears.
Believe it or not, the New York Giants are in an enviable position amongst other bottom-dwelling NFL teams.
Jaxson Dart is a potential franchise quarterback, something you can’t say many teams have across the league.
It makes the draft process much easier, especially if you have a top-five draft selection.
Instead of having to weigh the pros and cons of each college quarterback, you can sleep soundly knowing you’ve got an up-and-coming guy at home.
New York will likely be looking to build up their offense around their 22-year-old signal caller, whether it’s by supplying him with playmakers or offensive linemen to protect him.
In ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller’s latest mock draft, he has the Giants doing just that, and then some.
Matt Miller Has Giants Trading Back With Browns
To kick off Miller’s mock draft, he projects the Cleveland Browns to trade up with the New York Giants from No. 3 to No. 2 overall to select their own quarterback of the future.
“Like the Titans, the Giants drafted their quarterback of the future in 2025 in Jaxson Dart, making them a prime candidate to move down,” wrote Miller.
“With the Browns in quarterback flux and sporting multiple first-round picks in the 2026 draft, Cleveland would send the No. 3 pick to the Giants to move up one spot. New York would also receive third-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to move down to No. 3.”
The Giants would be ecstatic if the Browns came knocking on their door with draft capital to move back come next April.
They traded their own 2026 third-round pick to move up and draft Dart back in April.
Not only do they get to keep a top-three selection, but they also receive extra capital in both the 2026 and 2027 drafts to continue improving their roster.
That’s the beauty of having your own franchise quarterback: you get to take advantage of the teams that don’t have one.
Giants Select Miami OT Francis Mauigoa in Mock Draft
With the New York Giants on the clock at No. 3 overall, Miller has Big Blue selecting University of Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.
“Not needing a quarterback, the Giants can do the smart thing and trade down to acquire more draft capital. They have needs across the offensive line, and while the 2026 draft class doesn’t align with their wish list perfectly, Mauigoa would be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle opposite Andrew Thomas,” continued Miller.
New York desperately needs consistent offensive line play. After whiffing on Evan Neal in 2022, general manager Joe Schoen takes another swing with Mauigoa.
“Some scouts see Mauigoa as a guard at the next level because of his stocky 6-foot-6, 315-pound frame, but his ability to create space in the run game with power and people-moving skills would boost what the Giants could become with Dart and RB Cam Skattebo. Mauigoa has allowed just one sack all season … which is the same number of touchdowns he has scored.”
Armed with a blue-chip offensive line prospect and two more picks in the second and third rounds, the Giants would be primed for a breakout season in 2026 if this hypothetical became a reality.