Post by Nite on Mar 23, 2025 17:43:03 GMT -5
Interesting.
I asked Grok what should the Giants do in the 2025 draft that would increase the odds of making the playoffs given what we know at this point. The below is its response.
FTI I agree with most not all
To craft the ideal 2025 NFL Draft for the New York Giants that significantly improves their team and positions them for a playoff run in the 2025 season, we’ll focus on addressing their most pressing needs while maximizing the value of their draft picks. As of March 23, 2025, the Giants hold the No. 3 overall pick in the first round, along with a solid haul of eight total selections, including additional picks in the third, fifth, and seventh rounds. Their primary weaknesses from the 2024 season—quarterback instability, offensive line struggles, lack of offensive playmakers beyond Malik Nabers, and secondary depth—will guide this draft strategy. The goal is to build a roster capable of competing in the NFC East and sneaking into the playoffs, likely as a wild card, assuming a 9-8 or 10-7 record.
For this scenario, I’ll assume the Giants stick with their current draft position at No. 3 rather than trading up, as the top two picks (held by the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns) are also quarterback-needy teams, making a trade costly and uncertain. I’ll also assume the Giants have made minimal free agency moves by draft time, preserving their draft capital to address core needs. The draft will take place April 24-26, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and I’ll select players based on their projected availability, fit with the Giants’ system under Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen, and potential for immediate impact.
Here’s the ideal 2025 NFL Draft for the New York Giants:
Round 1, Pick 3: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Rationale: The Giants’ quarterback situation imploded in 2024 after cutting Daniel Jones midseason and cycling through Tommy DeVito, Jake Fromm, and others, averaging a league-low 14.4 points per game. Cam Ward, with his electric dual-threat ability, is the perfect fit for Brian Daboll’s offense, which thrives with a mobile quarterback who can extend plays (think Josh Allen in Buffalo). Ward threw for over 4,000 yards and 36 touchdowns at Miami in 2024, showcasing arm strength, accuracy, and composure under pressure. While Shedeur Sanders might be the top QB on some boards, Ward’s upside and fit make him a franchise-altering pick at No. 3 if Sanders goes in the top two (likely to Tennessee or Cleveland). Ward’s immediate impact as a rookie starter could elevate the offense to 24-26 points per game, a threshold that, paired with the Giants’ stout defense, could win games.
Playoff Impact: A reliable QB1 transforms the Giants from a bottom-feeder to a competitive outfit, giving them a chance to steal wins in a winnable NFC East.
Round 2, Pick 34: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Rationale: The Giants’ offensive line has been a decade-long Achilles’ heel, and while Andrew Thomas is a cornerstone at left tackle, the right side (and depth) needs reinforcement. Kelvin Banks Jr., a 6’4”, 320-pound mauler, brings elite pass-blocking skills (allowed just 2 sacks in 2024) and versatility to play tackle or slide inside. With Evan Neal’s inconsistency at right tackle, Banks could step in as a Day 1 starter, protecting Ward’s blind side or fortifying the right edge. This pick stabilizes the line, reducing the 50+ sacks the Giants allowed in 2024 and giving Ward time to operate.
Playoff Impact: A stronger O-line means fewer turnovers and more sustained drives, critical for winning close games against divisional foes like the Eagles and Cowboys.
Round 3, Pick 65: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Rationale: Malik Nabers emerged as a star in 2024, but the Giants lack a complementary weapon to stretch defenses. Tetairoa McMillan, a 6’5”, 210-pound wideout, dominated at Arizona with over 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. His size, speed, and contested-catch ability make him an ideal WR2, forcing defenses to pick their poison between him and Nabers. Paired with Ward’s deep-ball accuracy, McMillan could push the passing game into the top 15 league-wide.
Playoff Impact: Adding a second big-play threat opens up the offense, helping the Giants keep pace with high-scoring teams like Philadelphia and Detroit in potential playoff matchups.
Round 3, Pick 99 (Compensatory): Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Rationale: The Giants’ secondary struggled with depth in 2024 beyond Deonte Banks, especially on the outside. Shavon Revel Jr., despite a 2024 ACL injury, has first-round talent (6’3”, 193 lbs) and could slide to Day 2 due to medical concerns. His 2023 tape shows lockdown potential, and if he’s recovered by training camp, he pairs with Banks to form a formidable young CB duo. The Giants’ pass defense, already anchored by Dexter Lawrence up front, becomes elite with this addition.
Playoff Impact: A bolstered secondary neutralizes opposing passing attacks, key for slowing down NFC East QBs like Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott.
Round 4, Pick 105: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
Rationale: Tyrone Tracy Jr. was a pleasant surprise as a 2024 fifth-rounder, but the Giants need more backfield depth after losing Saquon Barkley. Kaytron Allen, a 5’11”, 215-pound bruiser, ran for over 1,000 yards at Penn State in 2024. His physicality and vision complement Tracy’s elusiveness, creating a balanced two-headed attack. Allen’s experience in a pro-style scheme fits Daboll’s system perfectly.
Playoff Impact: A reliable run game controls the clock and keeps the defense fresh, essential for grinding out wins in December and January.
Round 5, Pick 154 (from Seattle): Thor Griffith, DT, Louisville
Rationale: Dexter Lawrence is a one-man wrecking crew, but the Giants need another interior disruptor after trading Leonard Williams in 2023. Thor Griffith, a 6’2”, 320-pound athletic freak (45 bench reps at 225 lbs), brings raw power and upside. He’s a developmental pick who can rotate in as a rookie and eventually start alongside Lawrence, bolstering a defensive front that ranked top-10 in 2024.
Playoff Impact: Depth on the D-line wears down opposing offenses, critical for late-season battles against run-heavy teams like the Eagles.
Round 7, Pick 219: Brady Cook, QB, Missouri
Rationale: Double-dipping at quarterback ensures competition and depth behind Ward. Brady Cook’s 2023 season (3,300 yards, 21 TDs) showed promise, though injuries hampered him in 2024. He’s a high-upside backup with mobility and arm talent, ideal as a QB2 or trade chip later.
Playoff Impact: Insurance at QB prevents a 2024-style collapse if Ward gets dinged up, keeping the Giants in contention.
Round 7, Pick 246 (from Buffalo): Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Rationale: Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns form a strong edge duo, but depth is thin. Donovan Ezeiruaku, a 6’2”, 250-pound pass rusher, notched 10 sacks in 2024 and brings relentless energy. He’s a situational player as a rookie with starter potential down the line.
Playoff Impact: Extra pass-rush juice helps close out tight games, a must for playoff hopefuls.
How This Draft Gets the Giants to the Playoffs
Offense: Cam Ward, protected by Kelvin Banks Jr., throws to Nabers and McMillan, with Allen and Tracy grinding out yards. This unit jumps from 14.4 points per game to 24-26, enough to win shootouts and lean on a top-tier defense.
Defense: Lawrence, Griffith, and Ezeiruaku up front, plus Revel and Banks in the secondary, make this a top-5 unit that stifles opponents (think 2022’s 9-7-1 playoff team).
2025 Outlook: In an NFC East where the Eagles and Cowboys dominate but the Commanders remain inconsistent, a 9-8 or 10-7 record snags a wild card. Wins against Washington (twice), Dallas (split), and a few NFC/AFC middleweights (e.g., Falcons, Colts) get them there, assuming Ward hits the ground running.
This draft doesn’t just patch holes—it builds a young, dynamic core around Ward, setting the Giants up for a 2025 playoff berth and beyond.
DeepSearch
I asked Grok what should the Giants do in the 2025 draft that would increase the odds of making the playoffs given what we know at this point. The below is its response.
FTI I agree with most not all
To craft the ideal 2025 NFL Draft for the New York Giants that significantly improves their team and positions them for a playoff run in the 2025 season, we’ll focus on addressing their most pressing needs while maximizing the value of their draft picks. As of March 23, 2025, the Giants hold the No. 3 overall pick in the first round, along with a solid haul of eight total selections, including additional picks in the third, fifth, and seventh rounds. Their primary weaknesses from the 2024 season—quarterback instability, offensive line struggles, lack of offensive playmakers beyond Malik Nabers, and secondary depth—will guide this draft strategy. The goal is to build a roster capable of competing in the NFC East and sneaking into the playoffs, likely as a wild card, assuming a 9-8 or 10-7 record.
For this scenario, I’ll assume the Giants stick with their current draft position at No. 3 rather than trading up, as the top two picks (held by the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns) are also quarterback-needy teams, making a trade costly and uncertain. I’ll also assume the Giants have made minimal free agency moves by draft time, preserving their draft capital to address core needs. The draft will take place April 24-26, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and I’ll select players based on their projected availability, fit with the Giants’ system under Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen, and potential for immediate impact.
Here’s the ideal 2025 NFL Draft for the New York Giants:
Round 1, Pick 3: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Rationale: The Giants’ quarterback situation imploded in 2024 after cutting Daniel Jones midseason and cycling through Tommy DeVito, Jake Fromm, and others, averaging a league-low 14.4 points per game. Cam Ward, with his electric dual-threat ability, is the perfect fit for Brian Daboll’s offense, which thrives with a mobile quarterback who can extend plays (think Josh Allen in Buffalo). Ward threw for over 4,000 yards and 36 touchdowns at Miami in 2024, showcasing arm strength, accuracy, and composure under pressure. While Shedeur Sanders might be the top QB on some boards, Ward’s upside and fit make him a franchise-altering pick at No. 3 if Sanders goes in the top two (likely to Tennessee or Cleveland). Ward’s immediate impact as a rookie starter could elevate the offense to 24-26 points per game, a threshold that, paired with the Giants’ stout defense, could win games.
Playoff Impact: A reliable QB1 transforms the Giants from a bottom-feeder to a competitive outfit, giving them a chance to steal wins in a winnable NFC East.
Round 2, Pick 34: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Rationale: The Giants’ offensive line has been a decade-long Achilles’ heel, and while Andrew Thomas is a cornerstone at left tackle, the right side (and depth) needs reinforcement. Kelvin Banks Jr., a 6’4”, 320-pound mauler, brings elite pass-blocking skills (allowed just 2 sacks in 2024) and versatility to play tackle or slide inside. With Evan Neal’s inconsistency at right tackle, Banks could step in as a Day 1 starter, protecting Ward’s blind side or fortifying the right edge. This pick stabilizes the line, reducing the 50+ sacks the Giants allowed in 2024 and giving Ward time to operate.
Playoff Impact: A stronger O-line means fewer turnovers and more sustained drives, critical for winning close games against divisional foes like the Eagles and Cowboys.
Round 3, Pick 65: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Rationale: Malik Nabers emerged as a star in 2024, but the Giants lack a complementary weapon to stretch defenses. Tetairoa McMillan, a 6’5”, 210-pound wideout, dominated at Arizona with over 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. His size, speed, and contested-catch ability make him an ideal WR2, forcing defenses to pick their poison between him and Nabers. Paired with Ward’s deep-ball accuracy, McMillan could push the passing game into the top 15 league-wide.
Playoff Impact: Adding a second big-play threat opens up the offense, helping the Giants keep pace with high-scoring teams like Philadelphia and Detroit in potential playoff matchups.
Round 3, Pick 99 (Compensatory): Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Rationale: The Giants’ secondary struggled with depth in 2024 beyond Deonte Banks, especially on the outside. Shavon Revel Jr., despite a 2024 ACL injury, has first-round talent (6’3”, 193 lbs) and could slide to Day 2 due to medical concerns. His 2023 tape shows lockdown potential, and if he’s recovered by training camp, he pairs with Banks to form a formidable young CB duo. The Giants’ pass defense, already anchored by Dexter Lawrence up front, becomes elite with this addition.
Playoff Impact: A bolstered secondary neutralizes opposing passing attacks, key for slowing down NFC East QBs like Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott.
Round 4, Pick 105: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
Rationale: Tyrone Tracy Jr. was a pleasant surprise as a 2024 fifth-rounder, but the Giants need more backfield depth after losing Saquon Barkley. Kaytron Allen, a 5’11”, 215-pound bruiser, ran for over 1,000 yards at Penn State in 2024. His physicality and vision complement Tracy’s elusiveness, creating a balanced two-headed attack. Allen’s experience in a pro-style scheme fits Daboll’s system perfectly.
Playoff Impact: A reliable run game controls the clock and keeps the defense fresh, essential for grinding out wins in December and January.
Round 5, Pick 154 (from Seattle): Thor Griffith, DT, Louisville
Rationale: Dexter Lawrence is a one-man wrecking crew, but the Giants need another interior disruptor after trading Leonard Williams in 2023. Thor Griffith, a 6’2”, 320-pound athletic freak (45 bench reps at 225 lbs), brings raw power and upside. He’s a developmental pick who can rotate in as a rookie and eventually start alongside Lawrence, bolstering a defensive front that ranked top-10 in 2024.
Playoff Impact: Depth on the D-line wears down opposing offenses, critical for late-season battles against run-heavy teams like the Eagles.
Round 7, Pick 219: Brady Cook, QB, Missouri
Rationale: Double-dipping at quarterback ensures competition and depth behind Ward. Brady Cook’s 2023 season (3,300 yards, 21 TDs) showed promise, though injuries hampered him in 2024. He’s a high-upside backup with mobility and arm talent, ideal as a QB2 or trade chip later.
Playoff Impact: Insurance at QB prevents a 2024-style collapse if Ward gets dinged up, keeping the Giants in contention.
Round 7, Pick 246 (from Buffalo): Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Rationale: Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns form a strong edge duo, but depth is thin. Donovan Ezeiruaku, a 6’2”, 250-pound pass rusher, notched 10 sacks in 2024 and brings relentless energy. He’s a situational player as a rookie with starter potential down the line.
Playoff Impact: Extra pass-rush juice helps close out tight games, a must for playoff hopefuls.
How This Draft Gets the Giants to the Playoffs
Offense: Cam Ward, protected by Kelvin Banks Jr., throws to Nabers and McMillan, with Allen and Tracy grinding out yards. This unit jumps from 14.4 points per game to 24-26, enough to win shootouts and lean on a top-tier defense.
Defense: Lawrence, Griffith, and Ezeiruaku up front, plus Revel and Banks in the secondary, make this a top-5 unit that stifles opponents (think 2022’s 9-7-1 playoff team).
2025 Outlook: In an NFC East where the Eagles and Cowboys dominate but the Commanders remain inconsistent, a 9-8 or 10-7 record snags a wild card. Wins against Washington (twice), Dallas (split), and a few NFC/AFC middleweights (e.g., Falcons, Colts) get them there, assuming Ward hits the ground running.
This draft doesn’t just patch holes—it builds a young, dynamic core around Ward, setting the Giants up for a 2025 playoff berth and beyond.
DeepSearch