Giants’ Week 17 Win Costs No. 1 Draft Pick, Raises Offseason Questions
In a season that was anything but smooth, the New York Giants’ Week 17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts carried both excitement and frustration.
The 45-33 win snapped a 10-game losing streak, giving fans a rare reason to celebrate in an otherwise bleak year. Quarterback Drew Lock, filling in for the misery of a QB room the Giants bolster, delivered an impressive performance with five total touchdowns— four through the air and one on the ground. The postgame mood was euphoric in the moment.
Still, as reality set in, many questioned whether the victory was worth the long-term cost of losing the potential at selecting first overall in the 2o25 NFL Draft.
Draft Implications: Dropping to No. 3
Before kickoff, the Giants held prime position to secure the coveted No. 1 overall pick— a spot that could change the course of the franchise.
However, the Week 17 win, combined with other key outcomes around the league, saw them slide to the third overall pick. The draft class is headlined by elite quarterback prospects Shedeur Sanders from Colorado and Cam Ward from Miami.
Both players are considered potential franchise-altering talents who fill the desperate void John Mara, president of the Giants, has been longing for since their sole playoff appearance in a while back in 2022, when they made it only past the Wild Card round.
This draft class is highly regarded for its top quarterbacks, standout defensive players, and offensive linemen who could make an immediate impact.
However, the Giants’ glaring need for a quarterback has put their leadership in the hot seat. The Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, who hold the first and second picks, respectively, also need quarterback upgrades. Analysts believe that Sanders and Ward will be selected with the first picks, leaving the Giants outside the elite QB pool unless they make a significant move.
This could have been avoided if the Giants had hypothetically lost to the Colts in Week 17. In the NFL, the concept of “tanking” is used when teams appear to be underperforming to try to establish a better draft position for the following season (based fully on record, no lottery).
The front office’s decision to either trade up or remain at No. 3 could shape the franchise’s future for years. Missing out on a generational talent could perpetuate the team’s current struggles, while an aggressive trade-up could mortgage future draft capital. The stakes could not be higher for a team that owner John Mara is “running out of patience with.”
Ownership’s Commitment to Negative Continuity
Despite the franchise’s 9-24 record over the last two seasons, co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch announced their decision to retain General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll.
Following the season’s end, Mara addressed the media, stating, “We believe in the process and the vision that Joe and Brian have for this team. While the results haven’t been what we’d hoped for, this rebuild requires time and patience.”
This declaration of confidence in Schoen and Daboll has drawn mixed reactions, with most flowing in on the negative side. Critics argue that Daboll’s offensive schemes have underperformed and that Schoen’s draft picks and free-agent signings have failed to make a significant impact, even though somewhat big names like Brian Burns have come to the team.
In a meeting, Daboll even mentioned to Mara that even though he will remain the head coach, it might be in the team’s best interest to hand over play-calling to someone else on the offensive staff. Others point to the laundry list of injuries that plagued the roster, making it nearly impossible to establish continuity. Wide receiver injuries, offensive line issues, and a revolving door at quarterback turned the Giants’ season into a game of survival rather than progress.
Why the No. 1 Pick Mattered
The No. 1 overall pick would have given the Giants unparalleled control over their future.
Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has showcased elite arm strength, mobility, and the poise of a seasoned pro. Cam Ward’s rapid rise at Miami has also caught the attention of scouts due to his ability to make dynamic plays under pressure, along with his calm demeanor and defensive-back physical build. The general consensus is that both quarterbacks possess the traits to become long-term solutions for struggling franchises.
While most within the football world can bank on the Giants selecting a QB where they stand, there was also a plethora of options to choose from elsewhere than under center, including the most dynamic player (since Deion) in Travis Hunter.
The Giants’ need for a new quarterback stems not only from Daniel Jones’ whirlwind from the last few years. While Jones flashed some brilliance during the 2022 season, his inability to sustain production raised doubts about his ability to be the long-term answer, leading to his release from the team on Nov. 22. Though impressive, Lock’s Week 17 performance has been viewed by many as an outlier rather than a sign of things to come, with him certain not to be the starter next year.
Moreover, securing the top pick would have allowed the Giants to field trade offers from quarterback-needy teams, potentially securing a bounty of assets. Instead, the third overall pick limits their leverage and leaves them at the mercy of other teams’ decisions before them, especially with the two teams above them also both needing a revamp at the QB situation.
What’s Next for the Giants?
Heading into the offseason, the Giants face several critical decisions.
If Sanders and Ward are off the board by the time their third overall pick comes around, the Giants must evaluate other quarterback options a little later, such as a Jaxon Dart or Jayden Milroe type of player in the later rounds.
Alternatively, they could consider making an aggressive trade to move up in the draft. However, such a move would likely require parting with future first-round picks— a high-risk strategy for a team still rebuilding its foundation. The verdict is still out as to what the teams before them will do in the draft, but not being able to control your own destiny in sports is something that most teams don’t want to deal with.
A sort of unnecessary stress, if you may.
The team’s scouting department has its work cut out, with evaluations intensifying at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. The Giants’ front office has already indicated a desire to be proactive in the draft process. According to Big Blue View, some league insiders believe the Titans may favor Cam Ward, potentially leaving Sanders as an option at No. 2.
This scenario opens the door for the Giants to engage in discussions with the Browns for a trade-up, with them bolstering one of the worst contracts ever negotiated with their current QB situation in former superstar Deshaun Watson.
If the Giants opt not to pursue a quarterback, they could bolster their offensive line or add some help on the defensive side of the ball, a glaring weakness that contributed to their 2024 woes. An improved offensive line would not only protect their quarterback but also enhance their run game, which has struggled with consistency.
Fan Reaction and Future Outlook
The fanbase remains divided.
Some believe that sticking with Schoen and Daboll shows the necessary patience in what was always meant to be a long-term rebuild. Others feel the Giants are repeating past mistakes by failing to recognize when a coaching change is essential. The frustration has reached a boiling point among fans who have endured multiple losing seasons and are eager for a change.
Fan forums have been flooded with discussions about potential trades and hypothetical draft scenarios. The debate over whether the team should build through the draft or seek a veteran quarterback via trade continues to dominate social media. Many have voiced concern that the long-standing mediocrity may persist if the Giants fail to secure a franchise-altering player.
The 2025 NFL Draft will undoubtedly be a defining moment for the Giants. If the team can land a franchise-altering player, this season’s frustrations may eventually be forgotten. But if they come up short, the narrative of missed opportunities and prolonged mediocrity could haunt the team for years to come.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Giants look to make the most of their draft position and silence the growing skepticism surrounding their leadership. Every move made by Mara, Schoen, and Daboll will be scrutinized as fans and analysts alike await the decisions that will shape the future of Big Blue.
The path forward may be littered with uncertainty, but the right decisions could finally bring the Giants back to NFL relevance.
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