
Even if Giants pass in round 1 odds say they will take a rookie QB
With much of the spotlight on first-round quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, the New York Giants are doing their homework on prospects further down the draft board — and for good reason.
Between the the free-agent additions of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, and the return of Tommy DeVito, the quarterback room is crowded, but far from set in stone. General manager Joe Schoen has said there can be value in taking a quarterback later in
Here are multiple quarterbacks projected to go later in the draft that could make sense in Brian Daboll’s system:
Kyle McCord – Syracuse
The Giants hosted McCord — a sign of potential interest. McCord started his college career at Ohio State before transferring to Syracuse, where he absolutely lit it up in 2024. He led all of the FBS in passing yards (4,779), completions (391), and averaged nearly 368 yards per game. Just as impressive: he threw only 12 interceptions on a whopping 592 attempts.
McCord isn’t a flashy runner, but he has enough mobility to operate within Daboll’s offense, and his timing, touch, and anticipation make him a good schematic fit. He’s a rhythm passer who can read a defense and deliver quickly — something New York has lacked in recent years.
Dillon Gabriel – Oregon
One of the most efficient quarterbacks in the 2025 class, Dillon Gabriel quietly put together a dominant season at Oregon, leading the nation in passing yards per game (375.5) and finishing second in both completion percentage (72.9%) and QBR (86.5). A quick, accurate, and poised passer, Gabriel excels at getting the ball out fast and avoiding negative plays, posting a low sack rate (4.5%) and top-tier pressure-to-sack rate (13.9%).
While his sub-six-foot frame and broken clavicle from 2021 might raise durability concerns, Gabriel’s play style and metrics compare favorably to top-tier quarterbacks in both this year’s and last year’s classes. He’s not the biggest name, but if the Giants are willing to bet on traits over size, Gabriel could be a steal later in this draft.
Kurtis Rourke – Indiana
After transferring from Ohio to Indiana, Kurtis Rourke quickly proved he belonged in the Big Ten. He guided the Hoosiers to a playoff-caliber season thanks to consistent, smart quarterback play. Rourke thrives as a classic pocket passer with NFL size, mechanics, and accuracy.
What makes him intriguing is his blend of timing and ball placement. He throws with purpose, often anticipating windows rather than waiting for them to open — a must in a fast-paced NFL offense like Daboll’s. While not a threat to scramble for chunk yards, Rourke moves well within the pocket and can extend plays when necessary.
Think of him as a low-risk, high-IQ quarterback who could become a solid backup with starter upside — and who wouldn’t cost the Giants a premium pick.
Will Howard – Ohio State
He might not get the same media buzz as others, but Will Howard could be a late-round gem. A big, strong quarterback who transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State, Howard brings a physical, confident style to the position.
He’s not afraid to push the ball downfield and has shown he can run when needed — including in goal-line situations. His traits mirror what the Giants had hoped for with Daniel Jones, but Howard comes with a lower draft cost and arguably more grit in high-pressure moments.
If New York bypasses quarterback on the first few days. Howard could be a developmental option to groom behind the veterans already in the room.
Riley Leonard – Notre Dame
Riley Leonard might be flying under the radar as well, but his dual-threat ability and toughness make him a compelling late-round option for the Giants. The Notre Dame quarterback racked up nearly 800 rushing yards this past season to go along with over 2,000 passing yards, showing off his athleticism and ability to make plays in and out of the pocket. While he projects as an early Day 3 pick, his skillset could fit well in Brian Daboll’s system, especially if the Giants want to use his legs to keep defenses honest.
What do you think, Giants fans? Which quarterback would you pick on Day 3?