There has been an ongoing debate between reason and speculation regarding the New York Giants’ plans for the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Should the Giants take a chance on quarterback Shedeur Sanders or opt for the best available playmaker in Travis Hunter?
But what if they don’t have to choose?
With roster flexibility, veteran quarterbacks on short-term contracts, and a front office balancing immediate success with long-term planning, the Giants are in a prime position to make a bold move. They could select Hunter at No. 3 and then trade back into the first round to secure their preferred quarterback.
Travis Hunter Checks Every Box as a Game-Changing Playmaker
At No. 3, Hunter could simply be too talented to overlook. The Colorado standout recorded over 1,200 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns last season while catching 79.3% of his targets, showcasing his elite ability on both offense and defense.
Hunter possesses Pro Bowl potential at both wide receiver and cornerback—a rare combination. Pairing him with Malik Nabers would give the Giants a dynamic duo capable of transforming their offense immediately. Additionally, his versatility provides a valuable backup plan on defense, offering depth in the secondary if injuries arise.
It’s more than just versatility—it’s about elite production, marketability, and constructing a future around rare talents who can create mismatches all over the field.
The Sleeper QB Option: Jaxson Dart
Now, here’s where things get interesting.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is projected to be a late first-round pick, and he could be an ideal fit for Brian Daboll’s vision of a developmental quarterback. In 2024, Dart threw for 4,276 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while completing 69.2% of his passes.
Looking deeper, his efficiency stands out even more. Dart posted a 77.7% adjusted completion rate, ranking among the nation’s best, and excelled in deep throws—an attribute Daboll highly values.
More than anything, Dart embodies the modern quarterback prototype. He’s mobile, extends plays, and delivers sharp throws on the run. By sitting behind Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston for a year, refining his mechanics, and learning Daboll’s system, the Giants could secure their long-term solution without using the No. 3 pick to do so.
Why the First-Round Jump Matters
More than anything, Dart embodies the modern quarterback prototype. He’s mobile, extends plays, and delivers sharp throws on the run. By sitting behind Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston for a year, refining his mechanics, and learning Daboll’s system, the Giants could secure their long-term solution without using the No. 3 pick to do so.
One crucial factor that makes this strategy even more appealing is the fifth-year option.
By trading back into the late first round to select Dart, the Giants would gain an additional year of team control—a valuable asset when developing a quarterback. This extra year provides cap flexibility and allows the team more time if Dart needs further development beyond his rookie season.
More significantly, this strategy would enable the Giants to build their roster around two elite young talents—Hunter and Dart—both just 21 years old. As they develop together, they could form the foundation of a future core that reshapes the franchise.
