Playing the imagination game can be fun, but it can also lead you to dark places. Much like the imagination game, playing redrafting games can be fun, but more often than not, they become sticky. That's why we won't be harping on a New York Giants 2024 redraft, nor exploring what life would be like if things turned out differently. They didn’t. This is the reality we operate in.
So, while it’s fun to speculate what could or couldn’t have happened on draft night seven or so months ago, one question still remains: Should the Giants have drafted a quarterback with an early pick? More specifically, should the Giants have drafted Denver Broncos rookie sensation Bo Nix?
Would Bo Nix's success in Denver translate to the New York Giants?
Nix is having an outstanding rookie campaign for the Broncos, throwing for 2,842 yards, 17 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He’s led Denver to an 8-5 record, putting them squarely in the AFC playoff hunt. It’s the kind of rookie season that has fans wondering if Denver has finally found their long-term answer under center.
For the Giants, seeing Nix’s success might sting, especially given Daniel Jones’ release and the team’s 2-10 record. But context is key.
Nix is playing in a Denver offense designed to maximize his strengths, with plenty of innovative offensive playcalling, a strong offensive line, and a defense that’s been dominant. Would that same success have translated in New York, where Jones, Tommy DeVito, and Drew Lock have all failed as the starting quarterback?
History suggests otherwise. Take a closer look at Lock, who failed to find success in Denver despite his arm talent, or Tommy DeVito, who has done nothing to suggest he can elevate an offense. Quarterback success often hinges on the environment, and the Giants’ current structure doesn’t inspire confidence that Nix would have produced similarly.
Remember when several of the mock drafts had the Giants taking Bo Nix in both the 1st or 2nd round?
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) December 3, 2024
So many Giants fans were against the idea of Nix for the Giants…now he looks like he might lead the Broncos to the playoffs in his rookie year.
With people calling the current… pic.twitter.com/UmCUgUJlnt
On the other hand, (setting drama aside) Giants rookie Malik Nabers has already begun to prove his worth. Nabers ranks fourth among rookies in receiving yards with 740, despite playing two fewer games than the players ahead of him. His ability to create separation and make contested catches has been a bright spot in an otherwise turbulent season for the Giants' offense.
In hindsight, Bo Nix's rise with the Broncos is impressive, but it's not a guarantee he would have thrived in New York. The Giants made a calculated decision to prioritize adding an elite weapon in Malik Nabers, betting on Daniel Jones to bounce back and lead the offense. While it’s fair to wonder what could have been, Nabers' potential as a cornerstone receiver gives Giants fans plenty of reasons for optimism.
Looking ahead, the Giants have options to address their quarterback situation. Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders could be targeted in the 2025 draft. Free agents like Justin Fields or Sam Darnold might be worth a look, or the team could explore trades for veterans like Aaron Rodgers or Malik Willis.
Sometimes, the best move is sticking to the plan, even when the road ahead looks uncertain. If Nabers lives up to his billing and the Giants continue building around him, the decision to pass on Nix may not look so devastating after all. For now, it's all about seeing where this current path takes them.