The New York Giants are set to make a pivotal decision with the third pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They don't yet know whether a quarterback will be on the board after the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns make their picks; and even if one is on the board, taking a blue-chip defensive prospect isn't out of the question.
With two quarterbacks – Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston – clogging the path of a prospective rookie passer, the need to take one is diminished. Taking a quarterback on Day 2 is also an option, given there would be less pressure to push for Wilson's job.
Instead, New York can spend its resources improving the supporting cast for that prospective rookie, adding insulation to a win-now season.
Subsequently, the Giants revamped their trenches after picking Travis Hunter in the following three-round mock draft, made using Pro Football and Sports Network's mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 3: Colorado Corner/Receiver Travis Hunter
In this scenario, both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are off the board, making Hunter's selection fairly obvious. It isn't immediately clear where Hunter will play at the next level, or whether New York would prioritize playing him at corner or receiver.
He should play both – it's just a matter of what percentage of snaps he plays on either side. Given the new contract to receiver Darius Slayton and the struggles from cornerback Deonte Banks, it seems more likely that he would start alongside Paulson Adebo on the perimeter.
Round 2, Pick 34: Oregon Offensive Tackle Josh Conerly Jr.
Stalwart left tackle Andrew Thomas and the emergence of right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor have lessened the demand to take an early-round tackle to rectify the miss that was Evan Neal. However, Eluemunor has guard versatility and isn't locked in for the long term (yet).
Conerly, a freakishly athletic tackle who showed immense growth during his tenure at Oregon, would give the Giants the option to start Jon Runyan, Greg Van Roten, and Eluemunor on the interior, assuming that Conerly's impact would be greater than center John Michael Schmitz.
Further, Conerly is also an insurance policy at either tackle spot and a strong bet to start down the line should Eluemunor kick inside or depart in free agency.
Round 3, Pick 65: South Carolina T.J. Sanders
One of the under-discussed needs on New York's roster is a defensive tackle alongside Dexter Lawrence.
Building an elite defensive line means optimizing each of its stars, and Lawrence's impact won't be maximized until an interior lineman can take advantage of the All-Pro's gravity or lessen the load on his shoulders.
Sanders is an explosive 3-tech with enticing pass-rushing upside, and even as a Day 2 pick he's a plug-and-play starter at a position of need. Even if he splits early-down reps with Roy Robertson-Harris, Sanders is set to make an impact as a rookie.
Related: Giants Pick Winston's Competition in Two-Round Mock
Round 3, Pick 99: Penn State Safety Jaylen Reed
Late on Day 2, the Giants could opt to add to its depth on the back end. Safety Jevon Holland will bolster the unit's upside, and adding Reed should improve its depth.
Reed is an explosive athlete who does his best work downhill and against the run. His explosiveness lends itself to upside in coverage, although he profiles more as a reinforcement for Tyler Nubin than Holland.
Offering additional depth with the ability to play in certain sub-packages as a rookie, Reed is a dynamo, even if it is only seen in spurts.
Related: How Does Russell Wilson Feel About Giants Drafting Quarterback?
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This story was originally published March 30, 2025 at 1:30 PM.
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