Finally the pain from this grueling, nearly historically worst season of all time for the Giants has finally come to an end. With coaching and GM duo Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen returning for another season, it is time to look towards the offseason and begin rebuilding. Despite finishing tied for the worst record in football, the Giants have landed the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft due to strength of schedule tiebreakers. Three prospects have emerged as leading favorites to don big blue in 2025, and while the Giants at pick number three will likely not get to choose which, at least one will likely be New York bound.

First option is Miami QB Cam Ward. After taking his talents from Washington State to South Beach for his senior season he has emerged as a top talent, nearly bringing his team to the College Football Playoffs. In one season, he transformed this Hurricanes offense into one of the best in the country. He is the type of quarterback that has the potential to elevate on offense on his own, a trait that the Giants have lacked at the position since Eli. Ward’s strengths lie in his superb arm talent. He is a natural and easy thrower of the football while maintaining accuracy and control. He is a great improviser while also skilled at pre-snap checks and commanding the offense. At Miami they took shots deep with Ward a lot. Most of the time he makes great, explosive plays, however, he has a tendency to play hero ball which can get him into trouble. As a pro, he will need to work on protecting the football and limiting turnover-worthy plays by taking what the defense gives him rather than always going to a pre-determined read.

Now we have Shedeur Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes. Social media phenomenon and son of NFL legend turned coach Deion Sanders. The Giants are rumored to be very high on Sanders, supposedly having a day 2 grade on him last year if he committed last year. Of the two quarterbacks, Sanders has the superior athleticism. His ability to move around in the pocket and extend plays using his legs is his most valuable asset. He is a gamer and has done well in tight, late game scenarios. He is an accurate passer and is accustomed to throwing from muddy pockets, something the Giants certainly have trouble with. He is a high-floor prospect with a good enough ceiling to buy into. While many think that he is overhyped due to his name and media fame, he will likely be a solid player in the NFL.

Now for the most interesting scenario. Travis Hunter is one of the most talented players we have ever seen in college football. To play both ways for the entire game is something that was thought to be eliminated from the modern game. The Heisman Trophy winner is a high-IQ player who is always aware of the situation and where he is on the field. He is an all around amazing athlete and could potentially fill holes for the Giants in their secondary on defense and elevate their receiving core to an elite level next to Malik Nabers. Any team would be glad to land him in the draft as his impact would be immediate. Yet, for the Giants, there is one large caveat: He does not play quarterback (although he probably could). If the Giants were to land Hunter in the draft, QB Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss would be a top target in the second round. Personally, this is my favorite scenario. Travis Hunter is by far the most talented player in this draft with this QB class one of the most unimpressive in years. By taking Hunter and Dart you can field some young talent, see if you have success, and if not you can enter into the Arch Manning sweepstakes for next year.

Now there are definitely other options for the Giants. Edge rusher Abdul Carter out of Penn State is on the top of many big boards. He is an explosive speed rusher with a quick get-off and the lower body flexibility to bend inside at the top of his rush. His play in the college football playoff showed similarities to Penn State alum Micah Parsons. Another option is Michigan CB Will Johnson. He is a lockdown corner who excels at reading receivers and has excellent body control and fluidity for a tall corner. He could be the lockdown piece the Giants need to finally shut down explosive plays. He is likely the better pure corner than Travis Hunter if the Giants decide to go purely defense.

While the Giants flubbed their chance to land the number one pick, they are still in great position to start/continue this much needed rebuild. By avoiding coaching hiring drama, hopefully the front office has a clear plan of how they can fix the Giants. No matter who they pick this year, they are going to have to be a leader for this crumbling Giants organization.

— Top 5 stories this week —

1. Knicks Blow out the Bucks at Home

2. Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen Keep Their Jobs

3. Capobianco Brothers Banned from all MLB Stadiums

4. Are the Knicks Frauds???

5. Rangers Take Down Devils in OT

NEW YORK JOCK EXCHANGE 📈📉

This Weeks Schedule:

• Knicks vs Timberwolves, Friday, Jan 17 at 7:30 PM

• Nets at Lakers, Friday, Jan 17 at 10:30 PM

• Rangers vs Blue Jackets, Saturday, Jan 18 at 7 PM

• Islanders vs Sharks, Saturday, Jan 18 at 7:30 PM

• Nets at Thunder, Sunday, Jan 19 at 7 PM

• Rangers at Canadiens, Sunday, Jan 19 at 7 PM

• Knicks vs Hawks, Monday, Jan 20 at 3 PM

• Islanders vs Blue Jackets, Monday, Jan 20 at 7:30 PM

• Rangers vs Senators, Tuesday, Jan 21 at 7 PM

• Knicks at Nets, Tuesday, Jan 21 at 7:30 PM

• Suns at Nets, Wednesday, Jan 22 at 7:30 PM

• Rangers vs Flyers, Thursday, Jan 23 at 7 PM