The 2025 NFL Draft is here—and for once, the New York Giants don’t need to reach. Sitting at No. 3 overall with a trio of top prospects in play—Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, and Shedeur Sanders—Big Blue is in position to add a true difference-maker. With Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in-house, Joe Schoen isn’t drafting from desperation. For once, there’s real flexibility.
That doesn’t mean the pressure is off, though. The Giants are coming off back-to-back losing seasons, and Schoen’s seat isn’t exactly cool. He needs to nail this draft, not just at the top, but throughout. Luckily, New York has had a few recent hits in the middle and late rounds to build off of.
With that in mind, here’s a quick exercise: Who’s been the best Giants pick in each round over the past five years? Some are obvious. Some are projections. But all of them—at least for now—look like wins.
Round 1: Malik Nabers, WR (2024)
It’s early, but Malik Nabers looked the part from the jump. As a rookie, he gave the Giants their first true WR1 in years—posting over 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns while flashing elite separation and YAC skills. No rookie adjusted quicker to life in the NFL.
This pick came with pressure too. After striking out with Kadarius Toney and watching Evan Neal struggle, Nabers was a much-needed hit. Andrew Thomas was considered here, but his health literally hurts him in this exercise. Kayvon Thibodeaux got a look too, but his inconsistencies were ultimately too glaring. The young phenom it is. If Nabers keeps ascending, he’ll be one of the league’s premier wideouts by 2025.
Round 2: Xavier McKinney, S (2020)
Before heading to Green Bay this offseason, McKinney was easily the most productive second-rounder of the Schoen era. A team captain and tone-setter in the secondary, he made 31 starts across four seasons and racked up 9 interceptions.
Tyler Nubin may challenge for this title down the road, but McKinney’s leadership, ball skills, and durability made him one of the few constants in a chaotic Giants secondary.
Round 3: Andru Phillips, CB (2020)
This was closer than it looks—Cordale Flott has had a few bright spots—but Andru Phillips showed starter potential as a rookie and was reliable in the slot. The physicality he brings at the catch point stood out from Day 1.
If he develops into a full-time outside corner, this pick could look like a huge steal. He’s one of the most promising defenders from a quietly strong 2024 class.
Round 4: Theo Johnson, TE (2024)
Daniel Bellinger had the early edge here, but Theo Johnson’s athletic ceiling and Year 1 production gave him the nod. His 331 yards and a touchdown in limited action flashed real potential—especially considering the revolving door at QB.
With the tight end room still looking for a long-term answer, Johnson could break out in Year 2 as a seam threat and red-zone target in a more vertical offense.
Round 5: Tyrone Tracy Jr, RB (2024)
A lot of 2024 on this list... and we're not done revisiting just yet. It’s still early, but Tracy made an immediate impact as a versatile chess piece out of the backfield. With 839 rushing yards, 284 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns, he gave the offense juice they were sorely missing post-Saquon Barkley.
He runs angry, catches everything, and fits perfectly in Brian Daboll’s spread-heavy system. Not bad for the 166th overall pick.
Round 6: Darius Muasau, LB (2024)
Not a flashy name, but Muasau quietly carved out a rotational role in Year 1 and held his own. He contributed on special teams and even logged a sack as part of Shane Bowen’s linebacker rotation.
With more weight and reps, he could turn into a core depth piece, especially with Azeez Ojulari gone. And for a sixth-rounder, that’s exactly what you want.
Round 7: Tae Crowder, LB (2020)
You could argue Crowder’s 2020 production alone earned him this spot. The former Mr. Irrelevant started 16 games, notched 100+ tackles in a season, and made a couple game-changing plays during his early stretch with the team.
Was he perfect? Far from it. But for a seventh-round pick, he gave the Giants way more than they had any right to expect. That’s a win.