The New York Giants let Xavier McKinney walk in free agency last offseason, much to the dismay of many G-Men fans. However, after Tyler Nubin’s strong rookie year and Jevon Holland’s arrival on a three-year, $45 million deal, his departure seems less costly — especially now that it led to a comp pick.
Yesterday, the NFL revealed that NY would be one of the franchises awarded with a compensatory pick. The Giants now hold the No. 99 pick, an extra selection at the end of the third round. Not only does the pick add to draft capital, but it also gives Big Blue more wiggle room. GM Joe Schoen can afford to offer an extra pick or two if it means he can get his top choice on the board at No. 1.
Giants can use comp pick as leverage to trade up for No. 1 pick
The Giants were already rumored to be in talks with the Titans about moving up to No. 1, allowing Tennessee to slide down to No. 3. With an extra top-100 pick now in hand, they become an even stronger trade partner. The Titans could still land a top player at No. 3 while securing additional draft capital from NY.
With eight total selections in the upcoming draft, the Giants have plenty of assets to make a move. Many expect that trade to be for Miami quarterback Cam Ward, but Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter could still be on the radar. Adding either of them would instantly bolster the roster.
Quarterback remains a major question mark for Brian Daboll's squad as the team seeks a veteran bridge before passing the torch to Ward. Future Hall of Famers Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson are potential mentors who could give NY a chance to compete while it develops its future signal-caller.
The last time a team moved up for the No. 1 pick was in 2023 when the Carolina Panthers traded DJ Moore and a package of picks to the Chicago Bears. Carolina drafted Bryce Young, only to finish with the worst record in football and gift Caleb Williams to the Bears. Unlike that deal, the Giants would only be moving up two spots, which should allow them to avoid a steep price tag.
Schoen and the front office have already been aggressive in free agency. The defense has added Holland and Paulson Adebo to the secondary in addition to beefing up the defensive line with Chauncey Golston and Roy Robertson-Harris.
The compensatory pick could be a game-changer for Big Blue. Whether they keep it or use it in a trade, NY now has even more flexibility. Time will tell how they utilize it, but it should be a valuable asset heading into draft season.