New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen had a lot on the line heading into the NFL Draft this weekend. It was clear that his professional future was at stake, and he responded with impressive moves that exceeded expectations. Schoen made the right decisions at key moments and addressed critical needs within the team. His first-round picks were particularly outstanding, as he made bold moves that paid off.
Schoen didn’t hesitate with the third pick, selecting Penn State outside linebacker Abdul Carter, who was undoubtedly the best defensive talent available. Carter is expected to step in immediately as a starter and bring leadership to the defensive line. He’ll complement Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux by playing outside linebacker, offering additional flexibility and strength to the defense.
The turning point of the draft, however, came when Schoen traded his No. 34 and 99 picks, plus a future third-rounder, to move back into the first round. This allowed him to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick.
The Giants desperately needed a long-term solution at quarterback, and Dart, considered the second-best QB in the draft, is a perfect fit. He won’t be rushed into the starting role, with Russell Wilson set to lead the team in 2025. Dart will have the time to develop under a Super Bowl champion and learn the ropes, much like Eli Manning did with Kurt Warner early in his career.
The Giants’ third-round selection of defensive tackle Darius Alexander from Toledo adds much-needed strength to the interior defensive line. Alexander’s ability to stop the run will address one of the Giants’ major weaknesses from last season.
In the fourth round, the Giants secured a gem with Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo. Skattebo’s toughness and versatility make him a perfect complement to Tyrone Tracy in the backfield. He’s hard to bring down, a skilled runner, and a threat as a receiving option. His performance in the College Football Playoff game against Texas showed just how impactful he can be.
Finally, in the fifth round, the Giants found great value with Purdue guard Marcus Mbow. Despite concerns about his medical history, Schoen confidently selected Mbow, who could potentially signal the end of the Evan Neal project. Mbow was highly regarded before his injuries, and Schoen believes his health is no longer a concern.
Overall, Schoen delivered exactly what co-owner John Mara wanted: a stronger defense, a long-term quarterback solution, and a more efficient offense. His well-executed strategy makes the Giants one of the biggest winners in this year’s draft.
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