The New York Giants appear to be facing three main choices with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They could target Colorado’s standout quarterback Shedeur Sanders in a bid to find their next franchise leader. Alternatively, they might go after his dynamic teammate, two-way sensation Travis Hunter, or opt for the draft’s top edge rusher, Abdul Carter. While the Cleveland Browns are expected to remove one of these prospects from the board before the Giants make their selection, any scenario outside of those three—such as trading down or picking a different player—seems highly improbable.
That said, the NFL Draft has a long-standing reputation for unpredictability. Surprising picks have defined previous drafts, like Michael Penix Jr. going earlier than expected or the Giants themselves selecting Daniel Jones in 2019—a move few saw coming. As the 2025 draft approaches, fans and analysts are left wondering: what unexpected twist might unfold this time?
NFL insider Mike Garafolo stirred the pot during an appearance on the Good Morning Football podcast. While making it clear that he wasn’t reporting insider information, Garafolo floated a bold and unconventional opinion: the Giants should take Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 3 pick. “This is not a report by me. This is an opinion,” he emphasized. Garafolo noted that Jeanty’s draft stock has been rapidly rising, going from a fringe top-10 prospect to now being seriously considered a top-five pick. He even speculated that some teams could begin maneuvering to secure him.
If the Giants were to select Jeanty that high, it would undoubtedly be one of the most surprising—and polarizing—decisions in recent NFL history. The parallels to Saquon Barkley’s selection and eventual exit from New York are hard to ignore. Revisiting that strategy could spell trouble for GM Joe Schoen, whose decision would be heavily scrutinized. Drafting a running back so early, particularly in today’s NFL where the position has diminished value and a suppressed market, could prove to be a costly gamble. Jeanty would come in with a high salary and immense expectations, with little margin for error.
Moreover, running backs traditionally offer limited value to struggling teams, as they’re less impactful when playing from behind—a scenario the Giants know all too well. While a flashy pick like Jeanty might fly off the shelves in terms of jersey sales and bring a star player back to a city that loves its icons, it’s a move that would invite criticism and cast doubt on the front office’s long-term vision. “But John Mara, you’d get your popular player right back,” Garafolo added, highlighting the potential fan appeal. “We’re starting to see teams value the running back even more. I would absolutely consider it.”
Despite the provocative nature of the suggestion, Garafolo ultimately tempered expectations, noting that the Giants’ presence at Jeanty’s pro day wasn’t nearly as strong as it was for other prospects. This, he said, suggests that the pick is more fantasy than reality—for now.
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