The New York Giants, armed with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, are facing a lot of criticism after a dismal 3-14 season in 2024. What they do have the opportunity to do is put the 2025 NFL Draft on its ear and shock the world with a surprise pick.
With the general consensus being that they should draft Penn State’s edge Abdul Carter if the Browns take Heisman winner Travis Hunter, this would be a case of taking the best player available more than a definitive need. While there is a glaring need for a quarterback or a defensive or offensive lineman, there is a sting from letting a beloved running back hit free agency only to leave for a divisional rival and win a Super Bowl in his first season away from the Giants.Yes, it can be easily assumed that both GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Dabol’s jobs are in jeopardy if they don’t improve on last season. What they do have is the chance to draft a playmaker, a game changer, an absolute bruiser at the running back position and also give the Giants fans a gift, a truce offering. That move would be drafting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, a Heisman Trophy runner-up who led the FBS with an astounding 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024. Jeanty’s elite vision, power, and tackle-breaking ability have drawn comparisons to Saquon Barkley, making him a tantalizing option. But with pressing needs at quarterback and defense, would the Giants really use a top-three pick on a running back?
In today’s NFL, positional value greatly favors quarterbacks, edge rushers, and cornerbacks over running backs, especially in the early draft. This year’s quarterback draft class is lackluster at best. It would also be a dream for most New York fans for another Manning to come to the Big Apple and take the helm at the Giants. With the belief that Arch Manning will leave Texas and enter the 2026 draft after the completion of this college season, the nephew of two time Super Bowl quarterback Eli Manning would have a storybook feel in New York.
This year’s edge class is deep and full of talent making it a possibility to pass on Carter. Not likely, but it just be a reason why they could justify taking Jeanty.
Another strong case for taking one of the top RBs to enter the draft in years, is the Giants amassed just 1,783 rushing yards, ranking 29th league-wide. Rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. led with 839 yards, but his 4.4 average displayed the lack of explosive plays. Devin Singletary, expected to be the primary back, managed only 437 yards, hindered by an injury-plagued offensive line.
The offensive line’s struggles were a large contributor to the issue. Left tackle Andrew Thomas’ season-ending foot surgery moved Joshua Ezeudu into the position. Their 28th-ranked performance allowed constant pressure with 48 sacks allowed, exposing the backfield to trouble.
Coach Brian Daboll’s play-calling exacerbated the problem, favoring passes (591 attempts) over runs (424 attempts), making the offense predictable. Defenses stacked the box, neutralizing the ground game. The Giants’ 13 rushing touchdowns tied for 26th, showing their inability to punch the ball in when in the red zone. Without a consistent run game, the Giants’ offense crumbled, leaving them searching for answers as they head into the 2025 draft.
Jeanty could revolutionize their offense, offering a dynamic playmaker to pair with recent quarterback signings Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. Yet, the team’s history with Barkley—selected No. 2 overall in 2018—looms large. Despite Barkley’s individual brilliance, the Giants struggled to win, which could raise doubts about investing in another high pick for a running back.
Mock drafts project Jeanty as a top 5-10 selection, with teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 5) and Las Vegas Raiders (No. 6) frequently linked to him. This suggests he might still be available later, reducing the need for the Giants to spend the No. 3 pick and offering the possibility of a trade back situation. The Giants could surprise everyone by taking Jeanty third overall to erase their Barkley-era regrets.
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