As the New York Giants descend upon the 2025 NFL Draft, there's angst in the air about the importance of the upcoming decisions and the long-term consequences they may have.
The Giants will add a veteran quarterback at some point – anything less would be a fireable offense. But picking a quarterback at No. 3 isn't inevitable or unanimously encouraged. After the Tennessee Titans balked at veteran passers in free agency, it is assumed that Miami's Cam Ward will be the first pick of the draft.
That leaves New York to choose between all but one of corner/receiver Travis Hunter, edge rusher Abdul Carter, and quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
The consensus is that Sanders is a lesser prospect than his blue-chip defensive counterparts, although urgency under center could force the team's hand. If general manager Joe Schoen opts for a non-quarterback, Hunter will be the favorite. If he's off the board, Carter deserves a serious look.
The Giants draft target would make 2022 first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux expendable, and according to Pro Football Focus, he's their best movable player.
"The Giants are in a strange place from a roster construction standpoint in that they either have untouchable young players or players who seemingly wouldn't attract much interest," Bradley Locker wrote. "The one player who might fit into an alternate category is Thibodeaux."
"The former fifth-overall pick displayed encouraging signs last season with a 72.0 PFF pass-rushing grade, but he saw time on only 593 snaps. Reports have indicated that Thibodeaux's fifth-year option will be picked up, which would probably nix a trade, but it's possible that general manager Joe Schoen could deal Thibodeaux, not worry about the option and draft someone instead - such as Penn State‘s Abdul Carter at third overall."
Would pairing a high-profile edge rusher like Carter with Brian Burns all but end Thibodeaux's tenure?
Schoen could very well trade the first draft pick of his tenure, but Thibodeaux's presence alone might push the Giants toward a quarterback if Ward and Hunter are off the board.
Related: Travis Hunter Could Complete Giants' Defensive Makeover
The sack totals weren't there for Thibodeaux like they were in 2023, when he logged 11.5 sacks. Dealing with a wrist injury, he found just 5.5 sacks in 12 games in 2024. However, his pass-rushing peripherals were the best of his career. His win rates, both by PFF and ESPN, showed growth, and while his 2023 sack total was more luck than substance, his 2024 was a step in the right direction.
If Carter is truly a blue-chip prospect, capable of going No. 1 in many other classes, then this conversation ceases to matter. New York in that case should take him and worry about the consequences later. In the event he's just a tad more ordinary – a worthy top-five pick but not a prodigy – it's far easier to buy into Thibodeaux's flashes instead.
Schoen's evaluation of the edge rusher will be key, but Thibodeaux's progress, the possibility of a special talent like Hunter, and the need for a quarterback are all more likely to trump Carter's excellence.
Related: Giants Prioritize Positional Value in Two-Round Mock
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This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 5:23 PM.