Last year, Joe Schoen had to ace the 2024 NFL Draft just to keep the wolves off his doorstep. And to his credit, he might’ve pulled it off. With only six picks to work with, he walked away with several instant contributors and the early makings of a young core the New York Giants can actually build around. One good draft class bought him time—now he has to make it count.
Schoen is on a short leash. That much is crystal clear from John Mara’s own mouth after a brutal 3-14 season: “It better not take too long because I’ve just about run out of patience.” Doesn’t sound like a guy looking to rebuild over time. This is a “fix it now or pack your bags” kind of year. And with five picks in the top 105, there’s a real shot to reshape the future.
Last year’s class was a great start, but Schoen has to double down, otherwise... uh-oh. This draft will define whether he’s the guy steering this ship or just delaying the inevitable. The G-Men hold the No. 3 overall pick and the pressure’s mounting. Quarterback? Best player available? It’s only a franchise-altering decision, and there’s no room for error.
Joe Schoen can’t afford to miss in the 2025 NFL Draft
In a recent piece for NFL.com, Eric Edholm laid out nine teams with the most riding on the 2025 NFL Draft. No surprise here—the Giants were No. 1 on his list. His analysis of the situation in East Rutherford didn’t sugarcoat things:
"Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen know they need to produce. More wins. Better draft picks. Improved quarterback production. The whole nine yards. This upcoming season must prove the Giants are headed in the right direction, or owner John Mara’s postseason decision on their fate could be different this time around."
So yeah, no pressure.
The 2025 draft is Schoen’s make-or-break moment. He doesn’t just need to walk away with good players. He needs foundational ones. Guys who can help lift this roster out of the pit it’s been stuck in for the better part of a decade—starting Day 1. Whether that’s a franchise quarterback, a generational two-way talent, or a defensive tone-setter, the Giants can’t afford another year of anything other than relevance.
And the options are there. Travis Hunter? Could give them a CB1 and a splash weapon on offense. Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart? Maybe that’s your developmental QB with real upside. Abdul Carter? An edge with superstar traits who could reshape the entire front seven. Whoever it is, the pick at No. 3 has to be someone you can build a team around.
The good news is, Schoen has shown he can work a draft board. Landing Malik Nabers at No. 6 was a masterclass. Tyler Nubin was having an awesome season before he got injured. Dru Phillips looks like a legitimate slot corner. Theo Johnson could become a great tight end. Tyrone Tracy Jr. did his best to supplant Saquon Barkley. But that was a warm-up. This is the main event.
Eight picks. Five in the top 105. And a head coach and general manager both one more bad season away from getting canned. If Schoen gets this right, he might just buy himself a future in New York. If he misses? Well, someone else will be making those picks next April.