Last week's 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts left New York Giants fans questioning the team's objectives for the future, as the team’s draft position dropped from first to fourth.
Many believed the team was tanking for a franchise quarterback after finally moving on from Daniel Jones and positioning themselves to select either Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward. However, the win has fans rethinking how Joe Schoen should approach the NFL Draft. This draft is critical, as it could reshape the franchise’s future if the Giants don’t handle it properly.
The Giants snapped a franchise-record 10-game losing streak, securing their first win since Week 5. The offense finally came alive, scoring 45 points, with rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers hauling in seven receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Drew Lock also delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 309 yards, four touchdowns, and adding a rushing touchdown.
Despite leading the Giants to their first home win of the season, Lock faced criticism from fans frustrated that the victory hurt New York’s draft position. However, Lock didn’t seem too fazed by the negativity.
Drew Lock's postgame comments were as good as we could've hoped
Giants fans may have been disappointed that the win knocked the team out of contention for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but Lock’s postgame comments showed class and leadership. He acknowledged the fans’ frustrations while expressing pride in his team’s effort and resilience.
"“I’d say that’s just a part of the game. When you’ve got the draft involved, it’s not college. You don’t get to pick where you go with the draft being involved. The playoffs are out of contention; you understand what they’re saying. But at the same time, like I said, it’s nice to say we’re going to go work, we’re going to keep doing this, we’re going to keep pushing. The season’s not over. We’ve got two games left. To be able to come out and win this one—that’s the goal every single week, come out and win and work as hard as we can to do it.”"
"The fans deserved it, the locker room deserved it, everyone that is a part of this organization deserved it. We knew we had it in us."
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) December 29, 2024
- Drew Lock on the Giants getting their first home win of the season pic.twitter.com/mJHhgDIiph
While fans are understandably frustrated about losing the first overall pick, they shouldn’t take their anger out on players who have continued to fight through what has been one of the worst seasons in franchise history. This win marked their first victory in weeks, and the players’ effort deserves acknowledgment.
It’s safe to say the Giants players won’t be thinking about the 2025 NFL Draft when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday.