In ESPN’s Jordan Reid’s latest mock draft, the Giants traded up to the top the first overall pick and selectedquarterback Cam Ward. Despite the Giants’ connection to Shedeur Sanders, pundits are saying that Ward is the clear-cut top quarterback in this year’s draft. After missing out on the Matthew Stafford trade, Schoen and company could look to pivot to secure their elusive franchise quarterback. Would it make sense if the Giants traded to the top pick in the draft?
Are the Giants Eyeing the No. 1 Pick?
Why the Giants Would Make This Move
On Thursday, the Giants announced that they re-signed quarterback Tommy Devito. He’s now officially the only quarterback on the roster and odds are, he’ll be fighting for a spot in training camp. Although a fun story in 2023, his future in the NFL is dim.
So, it’s no secret that the Giants are shopping for a quarterback. Joe Schoen already mentioned that he plans on taking a “big swing” at the position this offseason. Originally, that was believed to be trading for Matthew Stafford. However, Stafford opted to stay in Los Angeles after settling a contract dispute. Now, Schoen could very well make sure that he has his choice of quarterback at the top of the draft.
With Schoen and Daboll’s jobs on the hot seat, a true franchise quarterback may be their only saving grace.
Compensation
Trading from the third pick to the first pick shouldn’t be too costly. However, the Giants need at quarterback is the league’s worst-kept secret. Schoen’s desperation to land a franchise quarterback could drive up the price. The other team to watch for is Las Vegas Raiders. However, it would be a steep price to jump the Giants from the sixth pick.
In Reid’s mock draft, the Giants needed to give up the third overall pick and their second-rounder in exchange for the top pick and a fifth-rounder in 2026. It’s a steep price to pay to jump two spots. If Ward becomes a franchise-changing player, then it’s worth moving the assets. If not, the Giants would miss out not only a quarterback but another high-end caliber player at the top of the second round.
Why the Titans Would Make This Move
Interestingly enough,the Titansalso need a quarterback. Head coach Brian Callahan has already stated that Will Levis will compete for the starting job in training camp, but it’s hard to believe that they truly believe in him as a long-term solution. So why would they pass up an opportunity to draft whoever they want?
The answer is simple. They don’t believe any of these prospects are true franchise quarterbacks. In their perspective, bridging the gap witha veteran in 2025 might be the better long-term decision as long as next year’s quarterbacks are more touted. Drafting a blue-chip positional prospect like Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter might be more enticing than a quarterback they don’t fully believe in.
Is This a Smart Move for the Giants?
The only way this move is smart for the Giants is if Cam Ward turns out to be a franchise quarterback. It can’t be judged in 2025 either. At the moment, it feels like the Giants are moving far too many assets for a prospect that isn’t who pundits don’t believe is generational. However, the Giants need a quarterback with hope in the worst way and it looks like they might be shopping hungry. At the right price, it would make sense if the Giants traded to the top pick in the draft.
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