The New York Giants are positioned to take a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft-if the teams ahead of them give them the opportunity.
Both the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns have a need under center, potentially taking the class' two projected first-round quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, off the board.
As such, New York must prepare for a scenario in which a free agent quarterback is the unquestioned starter, even if it is ultimately less than ideal.
A quarterback isn't the only path to a successful April, as evidenced by the Giants picking Darius Slayton replacements in this 2025 mock draft.
The following mock draft was made using Pro Football Network's mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 3: Colorado Corner/Receiver Travis Hunter
In the event a non-quarterback is being taken by New York, the most likely selection is Hunter.
The 2024 Heisman winner will play on both sides of the ball, it's just a matter of to what extent. Given the Giants' lack of talent on the perimeter, stepping in as the team's top corner is an easy projection. Allowing Deonte Banks to take on star receivers less frequently could help his development while adding elite ball skills to the secondary.
It isn't clear whether it will come via sub packages or a starting role, but Hunter lining up opposite Malik Nabers on the boundary is enticing. With unique movement skills, elite body control, and a knack for contested catches, his talent may demand more snaps than the staff is willing to give him.
Round 2, Pick 34: Mississippi Defensive Tackle Walter Nolen
If cornerback is the biggest need on New York's defense, finding Dexter Lawrence a worthy sidekick is next on the list.
General manager Joe Schoen has prioritized building a quality pass rush, and Nolen would be the finishing touch.
Nolen is an uber-athletic 3-tech who profiles as a pass-rush-first tackle. With elite burst and impressive speed-to-power conversions, he's among the quality linemen in this class capable of taking advantage of the opportunities Lawrence provides.
The pass rush synergy of four quality linemen on every down is hard to contain, allowing the unit to stay afloat when it opts to send four.
Round 3, Pick 65: Utah State Receiver Jalen Royals
The second potential Slayton replacement is Royals, whose ability to make plays both downfield and in the quick game make him a lucrative Day 2 option.
Royals isn't the most physical receiver-neither at the line of scrimmage nor the catch point-but his speed demands defensive attention and his natural separation skills make him versatile and dangerous against man coverage.
While a Hunter selection could preclude another significant investment at receiver, double-dipping affords New York to play Wan'Dale Robinson in a more optimized role and provides insurance in the event that Hunter can't play both sides full time.
