Giants get their quarterback in Round 2
It is time for my second weekly New York Giants mock draft in this draft cycle. This turns out to be a ‘missed out on quarterbacks at No. 3’ scenario. Remember, I am not necessarily trying to be right at this early stage. I am trying to present for discussion potential ways things could fall in the real 2025 NFL Draft.
This week’s mock is done with the Pro Football Network simulator. Let’s dive in.
Round 1 (No. 3) — Abdul Carter, edge, Penn State
Yes, Carter over Travis Hunter.
Before I explain, let me start with this. I tried to engineer trades down with the New England Patriots at No. 4, Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 5 and Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6. Despite going through several iterations that the Johnson trade chart shows as fair, the simulator was having none of it. That is one of the things I like about the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator. That simulator will let you work through a trade until you get one that will be accepted, and will show you how close or far away you are. The PFN sim just kept saying “no.” It hurt my feelings!
So, having tried to trade down and failed I chose Carter over Hunter.
It would have been easy to choose Hunter. Easy, though, is boring and we’re here to discuss scenarios.
Recent reporting from Paul Schwartz indicates that the Giants might end up with Carter higher on their board than Hunter, and that they see Hunter as a cornerback only in the NFL. If that is the case, picking the pass rusher who is compared to Micah Parsons makes sense as Hunter’s value is lower.
There is also the fact that I have seen a handful of big boards recently with Carter and not Hunter ranked as the top overall prospect.
Did I do the right thing?
Other players considered: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado; Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Round 2 (No. 34) — Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
There are A LOT of players I would have loved to pick here. I couldn’t wait on selecting a quarterback, though, after missing out in Round 1.
I know that Dart might not last this long, but since he did in this draft I could not let him go by. The Giants have to have an option to be quarterback of the future, and after Ward and Sanders, Dart appears to be the best one.
Will he be a good NFL quarterback? Who knows? But, it’s a swing I thought had to be taken.
PFN says:
Jaxson Dart is a natural leader and playmaker, known for elevating his team with pinpoint passes, sharp reads, and trust in his receivers. He excels at exploiting man coverage, finding matchups, and winning 50-50 plays. While his game has few flaws, he sometimes locks in downfield too long, risking ball security. Those daring throws into tight coverage might not always succeed against NFL corners, but with his full skill set, Dart has the tools to thrive at the next level.
Other players considered: Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas; Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame; Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon; Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss; Wyatt Milum, G, West Virginia; Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State; Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
Round 3 (No. 65) — Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
This feels like a safe pick. Not a home run or an exciting one, just a safe one. Good player, high level of experience, plays the position — right guard — that is currently open on the Giants’ offensive line.
PFN says:
Ratledge is a top interior offensive lineman prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, projected as a Day 2 pick. Known for his strength, powerful blocking, and mobility, Ratledge pairs his starting experience with reliable pass protection and run-blocking skills, making him a ready contributor at the next level.
Other players considered: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas; Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State; Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State; Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee; Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
Round 4 (No. 104) — Anthony Belton, OT, NC State
I looked at the options here and thought doubling up on the offensive line by adding a developmental tackle prospect was the right move. With Jermaine Eluemunor still on the roster, maybe the Giants could give Belton a year to transition to the right side and let him take over that spot in 2026 if he looks capable.
PFN says:
Anthony Belton is a physically imposing offensive tackle with the strength and length to control defenders at the line of scrimmage. He excels in pass protection, using his size and footwork to keep edge rushers at bay while maintaining balance against power moves. In the run game, he generates solid push and plays with an aggressive mentality, helping open lanes for ball carriers. His awareness and ability to adjust to stunts make him a dependable presence on the line. However, he can improve his pad level and hand placement to maximize his power and consistency. With refinement, he has a significant upside.
Other players considered: Elijah Arroyo, TE Miami (FL); Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State; Sebastian Castro, S, Iowa; Elijah Roberts, DT, SMU; Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
Round 4 (No. 134) — Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
I know, I mocked Phillips to the Giants in Round 4 a week ago, that time at No. 104. Where is the fun in picking him again?
Still, he appeared to be the best defensive tackle on the board at a position of obvious need that had not been addressed yet. Plus, there weren’t any other “gotta have that guy” players on the board here in my view. So, Phillips it is.
Other players considered: Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State; Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State; Ricky White, WR, UNLV
