With eight days to go until the 2025 NFL Draft, New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen met with the media on April 16 and delivered what could only be described as a comprehensive, candid, and calculated preview of what lies ahead for Big Blue. Now entering his fourth draft as GM, Schoen provided a look behind the curtain—discussing everything from quarterback evaluations to roster construction, long-term cap strategy, and the unique nature of this year’s scouting calendar.
But perhaps most telling? The Giants aren’t locked into one specific direction. And that may be by design.
Meticulous Preparation, Measured Strategy
Schoen opened his press conference with a nod to the organization’s collective effort behind the draft process—scouts, coaches, cafeteria staff, medical personnel, and even strength and conditioning coaches.
“We put these kids through quite a process,” Schoen said. “There’s a lot of people involved that are critical in our decision-making.”
That process has included Pro Days, 30 visits, private workouts, and an extensive series of Zoom calls. It’s all part of a methodical structure, one that’s been refined from Schoen’s early front-office days with the Miami Dolphins.
This year’s draft preparation came with logistical challenges, including the late Pro Day at Colorado—home to prospects like quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way phenom Travis Hunter. Private workouts for top-tier players had to be carefully scheduled to avoid injury risks ahead of Pro Days.
“You don’t want to be the team that does a private workout with a prospect and then they pull a muscle,” Schoen recalled. “It’s a puzzle—you’ve got their schedules, your schedules, and the offseason program to coordinate.”
Quarterback Talk: Options, Not Obligations
With the No. 3 overall pick and a revamped quarterback room that now includes veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston alongside incumbent Tommy DeVito, the Giants are better insulated than a year ago.
“We don’t feel like our feet are to the fire,” Schoen said. “I think we’ve upgraded that room.”
Yet the pursuit of a young franchise quarterback remains a clear priority—albeit one that Schoen insists will only happen if the value aligns.
“You’d like to have a young franchise quarterback. I think every general manager would be,” he said. “But the value has to be right. If you get that one wrong… it sets you back.”
Still, Schoen acknowledged the benefit of drafting a QB even as a future backup, citing the cap-saving benefits of a cost-controlled rookie contract versus shelling out $4–10 million annually for a veteran No. 2.
“You’re always looking at those scenarios,” he added. “If he can be a backup quarterback on a rookie contract, now you’re opening up financial resources.”
Team Building in the Short and Long Term
Schoen emphasized that draft decisions are not made in isolation—they’re tethered to the team’s current and future cap situations. Players on expiring deals, long-term projections, and roster balance are all part of the calculus.
“You’re always looking into the future,” he said. “Here’s where we are salary cap-wise in 2026, here’s who we may not be able to extend.”
He mentioned that the team is already eyeing contract cycles that could converge, like those of key secondary players and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence—all potentially expiring around the same time.
That sort of foresight is why positional need alone won’t dictate their draft board.
“If you go need-based, that’s when you can make mistakes,” he warned. “We want to go in there and be able to take the best player available.”
The Travis Hunter Dilemma: Positionless Football?
One of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class is Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a two-way superstar who has insisted on playing both wide receiver and cornerback. Schoen gushed over Hunter’s skillset and makeup.
“He’s a unique athlete. He can do it all. Great kid, motivated, never comes off the field.”
Would the Giants consider playing him both ways?
“I would not be afraid to play him on both sides of the ball,” Schoen said. “But we have to be mindful of the mental demands and the length of the NFL season.”
Still, Schoen didn’t shy away from the possibility. “You get good football players, you figure out how to get them on the field.”
On Pass Rush, Abdul Carter, and Roster Versatility
Schoen praised Penn State’s Abdul Carter, noting his transition from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher in 2024. Despite the presence of Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns, and Dexter Lawrence, Schoen made it clear the Giants won’t pass on front-seven talent.
“You can never have enough pass rushers,” he said. “You watched the Super Bowl, right? Philly rushed with four the whole game.”
Carter’s youth, versatility, and upside make him appealing—even in a crowded edge room.
“He’s just 21 years old and an exciting player to watch.”
On Trade Scenarios and the Draft Board
Schoen confirmed the Giants have received calls about the No. 3 pick and remain open to moving up or down the board.
“We’ll be open to all options,” he said. “You’ve got to make sure it’s a player that you really like.”
The team has finalized both a horizontal board (position group rankings) and a vertical stack (overall best players), with recent meetings featuring “respectful debates” among scouts and coaches.
“If it’s two players we love, we’ll ask: who best helps the New York Giants? We love both—same value—who’s going to help us win?”
Ultimately, as Schoen reiterated multiple times, the decision falls on him.
Final Thoughts: Strategic Patience, Calculated Aggression
This was not a press conference where Joe Schoen tipped his hand. But it was a masterclass in how a modern front office balances value, risk, long-term planning, and collaborative evaluation. Whether the Giants stay at No. 3, trade back, or make a move up, they’ll do so with conviction.
“We’re going to run out the shot clock here,” Schoen said with a smile. “We’ve still got time, and we’re going to use it.”
The 2025 Draft might be the most pivotal of Schoen’s tenure. But if this press conference is any indication, the Giants are embracing the moment with confidence, clarity, and a plan that spans far beyond Thursday night.
Randy Zellea is the founder of Back Sports Page and host of The Big Blue Report podcast. Follow him on Twitter @RandyBSP.
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