New York Giants

The New York Giants selected Purdue OT Marcus Mbow with the No. 154 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Marcus Mbow is a three-year starter at right tackle and guard, including 12 starts at tackle in 2024 inside Purdue's balanced, multiple-run scheme. Mbow has a lean, athletic build without much mass or girth, average arm length, good athletic ability and adequate play strength.

Mbow is a quick-twitch run blocker with pop in his hands that he uses to get into fits quickly, close ground and intersect smaller targets on the move and collapse leaning defenders with a trap technique. He wins primarily in outside zone concepts on frontside kick-out blocks creating enough lateral displacement to open a lane and cutting off the backside three technique with a slingshot technique. Mbow also excels closing ground and intersecting targets as a puller, lead blocker and on frontside combo-climbs. His mediocre length and narrow frame create issues squaring up and pinning defensive tackles and he will get pulled off of his feet late in reps due to getting overextended.

In pass protection Mbow is a highly skilled player with an array of sets and strikes to disrupt the timing of rushers and win reps quickly but that aggressive approach also gets him into trouble when he has to use patience to remain square and in position against stutters and hesitations. This leads to him getting manipulated on an island against widely aligned rushers who know how to set up moves. Mbow's lack of sand and lower-half strength will get exposed against penetrators on stunts, resulting in him getting knocked back too far in the pocket.

Overall, Mbow brings good quickness and a crafty, refined skill-set that will allow him to compete for a backup role right away at tackle or guard with starter potential during his rookie contract but he will need to bolster his play strength and ability to deal with power before becoming a full-time starter.

MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 303

HAND: 10½"

ARM: 32"

WINGSPAN: 80"

40-YARD DASH: N/A

3-CONE: N/A

SHUTTLE: 4.67

VERTICAL: N/A

BROAD: N/A

POSITIVES

— Very good use of hands with quick, potent strikes and a lethal snatch-trap technique to win leverage and collapse leaning defenders

— Knows how to change up his angles and timing with his pass sets to manipulate space on rushers and keep them guessing

— Good burst to close ground on pulls, leads and climbs to intersect smaller targets

— Gets into his fits quickly in the run game with pop in his hands to deliver jolt, widen and create a lane on kick-out blocks

— Brings an aggressive, fiery demeanor to the field

NEGATIVES

— Lean, light build with average arm length, sand and mass

— Gets lured off of his spot and creates soft edges when being set up with hesitations and stutters in pass protection

— Middling anchor and lower-body strength result in getting knocked back on his heels when matched up against defensive tackles on down/pin blocks and stunt penetrators

NOTES

— Born April 2nd, 2003

— 3-star recruit from the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— Before joining Purdue he originally was committed to Arizona State before they unexpectedly pulled his scholarship

— Mbow's father is from Senegal, Africa and Marcus learned to speak French through his influence

— Suffered a broken leg in October of the 2023 season

— 32 career starts split between right guard (14) and right tackle (18)

— Participated in the 2025 Senior Bowl

GRADE: 7.3 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 82

POSITION RANK: OT6

PRO COMPARISON: Jonah Williams

Written by B/R NFL Scout Brandon Thorn

The New York Giants selected Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Jaxson Dart is a talented quarterback who is at his best when he can quickly get the ball to his designed reads.

Dart excels at throwing isolated and schemed-up routes between the hashes in the middle of the field. He tends to attack one-on-one matchups. He identifies these favorable matchups pre-snap and gives his wide receivers a chance to make a play. Whether in the middle of the field or outside the numbers, if Dart spots single coverage, he will test it—the results have been successful this season.

Dart uses multiple arm angles/slots to fit passes based on defender location. He throws with a quick, sound, and snappy release when kept clean in the pocket. If there is no pass rush or pressure threat, Dart is patient in the pocket to survey the field and go through his reads. He throws with good velocity in the short and intermediate parts of the field. Dart toggles between throwing with velocity and touch with good decision-making. His throwing mechanics are sound and clean, Dart generates enough torque to drive throws between into voids in the defensive coverages.

Dart is a strong and tough runner. He is functional athletically to threaten unsuspecting defenses in the red zone. He is comfortable extending plays, keeping his eyes down the field, and throwing on the move. Dart is hard to defend because of his ability to get out of the pocket and make something happen.

As a result of Ole Miss's heavily schemed offense, processing past the first read is slower than expected for a senior quarterback. Dart is accustomed to favorable schemed/open routes that he struggles to quickly get through his reads and find the next open target if the initial read is covered. Dart does not anticipate throwing lanes well at this stage of his career. He is a see-it, throw-it style passer. Instead of anticipating the receiver's breaks and throwing before completion, he waits for the target to separate and work themselves open. This leads to holding onto the football and inviting pressure.

Dart struggles to throw under pressure while inside the pocket. His mechanics and accuracy go awry. He will fade away and throw off his back foot instead of standing tall to deliver the pass. Dart lacks confidence throwing against tight man-to-man coverage, leading to a higher pressure-to-sack percentage.

Overall, Jaxson Dart has a good physical skill set to be an effective starting quarterback. His ability to change up the speeds of his passes will translate well to the league. He is more than willing to take the check down underneath. Dart's ability to pickup an NFL offense will determine how early he sees the field and the success that comes with it.

MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'2"

WEIGHT: 223

HAND: 9½"

ARM: 30"

WINGSPAN: 72⅞"

POSITIVES

— Possesses above-average arm strength with multiple arm slots.

— Throws with good touch to layer passes over MoF defenders.

— Good athlete with good size/build, extends plays and effective on QB designed runs.

— Flashes downfield passing ability against one-on-one coverages; if he identifies it early, he's taking the shot.

NEGATIVES

— Slower mental processing reading defenses post-snap.

— Less than ideal anticipatory thrower from the pocket.

— Mechanics and throwing efficiency is inconsistent; he does not bring his feet in the action and will muscle throws down the field.

— Ole Miss's offense provides isolated QB-friendly reads, not a pro-style system.

NOTES

— Born May 13, 2003

— 4-star recruit in the 2021 recruiting class per 247Sports

— 2024: First Team All-SEC; Conerly Trophy Winner; Manning Award Finalist

— 2023: Davey O'Brien Award Semifinalist

— 2021: Missed four games with a torn meniscus/MCL sprain, required surgery

GRADE: 7.5 (Potential Impact Player—2nd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 57

POSITION RANK: QB3

PRO COMPARISON: Shades of Carson Wentz with less arm strength

Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders had a positive predraft workout with the New York Giants as the team weighs all of its options with the No. 3 overall pick, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"I'm told it did go well," Fowler said on SportsCenter. "I'm told that head coach Brian Daboll likes to put those quarterbacks in private workouts in adverse situations, different situations, get them out of their comfort zone of a normal pro day setting. So, all of that was good. Otherwise, the Giants are not saying a thing about these workouts."

The NFL insider added that people around the league "expect that they go away from quarterback at No. 3." He posited New York, which is back on the clock with the 34th pick, could trade back up into the first round and get a QB, though, if the right player is available.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen told reporters earlier this week he doesn't think taking a quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft is "mandatory" after the team signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

No GM is going to fully tip his hand before the draft, but Schoen's comments probably do reveal some of New York's mindset. Wilson and Winston are a solid pair to have on a short-term basis, so the sense of urgency surrounding the quarterback position is far less than it was before free agency got underway.

In Bleacher Report's most recent mock draft, Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter was the choice for the Giants.

"The New York Giants have the green light to go in any direction after signing veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston," B/R's Brent Sobleski wrote. "They can take the opportunity to put the pedal to the metal on defense and create an identity through their pass-rush.

"It's a familiar approach that has helped the organization win Super Bowls in the past."

Few fans will be totally shocked if the Giants pick Sanders in the top five. However, there probably isn't much to read from their recent visit.

The New York Giants' pre-draft quarterback strategy is meant to protect the franchise in the event of any unexpected situations that might arise during the 2025 NFL draft.

On the latest episode of the Scoop City podcast (starts at 13:50 mark), The Athletic's Dianna Russini explained the Giants' private workouts with Shedeur Sanders and other top quarterback prospects is about "being prepared for as many situations that can happen" in the draft.

Russini added the workout isn't likely tied to them considering a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick, where the organization is "in lockstep" and "they know what they're doing" at that spot.

From the conversations I'm having, the Giants do not appear to be a house divided as they plow ahead with what remains of their draft process.

But I don't get the sense that these latest QB workout developments mean New York is eyeing one at No. 3.

What I'm hearing ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/AgFjGAUODb

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 18, 2025

Per Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, the list of quarterbacks who scheduled private workouts with the Giants one week out from the draft included Sanders, Tyler Shough and Jalen Milroe.

While it's not unusual for teams to hold private workouts with draft-eligible players, the Giants' timing raised some eyebrows.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen told reporters on Wednesday the reasoning for the workouts was connected to the timing of the draft and Colorado scheduling a late pro day:

"It's a unique calendar year. I think the draft is as early as it can be, that Thursday in April being the 24th. If you're speaking specifically of Colorado, their Pro Day was April 4. With the April 4 Pro Day of Colorado, we were already in meetings. When I left you guys at the owners' meetings (at the end of March), we started (draft meetings)that Wednesday. That's how the calendar is for us every year.

"It was unusual that a Pro Day was that late, and we had to stop meetings to go to Boulder. But these private workouts have been in place."

B/R's NFL scouting department is projecting the Giants will end up using the No. 3 pick on Penn State edge Abdul Carter. Their second pick at 34 is projected to be Milroe, giving the organization a potential long-term option at quarterback.

New York has given itself options going into the 2025 season by signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency. This allows the front office to take whomever they deem to be the best player with their first pick, then address quarterbacks either by potentially trading back into the first round later on or waiting until early in the second round.

It's not a bad strategy to employ for a franchise that has so many positional needs to fill and shouldn't pass on a potential transcendent talent that early in the first round to reach for a quarterback they may not be in love with.

Kyle McCord is being put through predraft tests and interviews just like every other quarterback, but he said one team challenged him more than others.

On The Rich Eisen Show, the Syracuse star said the New York Giants tested him the most during his recent visit.

"They definitely put me to the test," he said (1:20 mark). "They wanted to know how well you process things, how quickly can you pick up information. So, of all the teams, they definitely were the one that tested me the most, but it was good. It was a lot of fun."

McCord added that New York would be a "great spot to end up," noting that the Giants have "two great veterans" under center in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

McCord said he's also visited with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints and New York Jets in the weeks leading up to the draft.

McCord, who spent three seasons at Ohio State before closing out his collegiate career at Syracuse, led the nation in passing yards in 2024 with 4,779, also picking up 34 touchdowns.

While McCord hasn't gotten the same hype as some of the other quarterbacks in this year's draft class, he could be a valuable pickup after the first round. The Giants have the third overall pick, but would likely pick McCord later on in the draft if they decide to take him.

Teams that want to move up to the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL draft will apparently have the opportunity to do so if the price is right.

"We'll be open to all options," New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen told reporters Wednesday while also revealing the team has received some calls for that No. 3 pick in the draft.

Joe Schoen says the Giants have received calls about the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft

He says they are open to any scenario pic.twitter.com/keKokJeZQI

— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) April 16, 2025

New York is coming off a 3-14 season and has plenty of holes to fill, so trading a top-three pick for even more draft capital and perhaps even younger players could be an ideal strategy. That would allow the front office to address a number of different positions instead of just the one with that third pick.

That the team also added Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston this offseason also adds another layer to the trade discussions.

After all, it doesn't have to reach for a quarterback if it doesn't love some of its options in this year's draft. While the Giants have been connected to Shedeur Sanders at times, they could always roll with Wilson for 2025 and target the quarterback position in a future draft.

In that scenario, another team being more desperate for a quarterback such as Sanders in this draft would be ideal for the Giants.

That would give them all of the leverage in trade discussions, especially if Cam Ward is off the board to the Tennessee Titans at No. 1. Perhaps a potential trade partner would see Sanders as the only other signal-caller worth drafting that high in this year's class and give up plenty in return to acquire New York's No. 3 pick.

For now, B/R's NFL Scouting Department projected the Giants to select Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3 with Ward going to the Titans and Travis Hunter going to the Cleveland Browns at No. 2 in its latest mock draft.

But that could change if they end up making a trade.

Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart reportedly won't fall out of the first round of next week's draft, per Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, who added more information about the New York Giants' interest in the prospect.

"Should the Giants pass on Shedeur Sanders with the No. 3 pick, keep an eye out for Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, whose swashbuckling style and flair for the dramatic seems tailor-made for New York, and who I'm told head coach Brian Daboll likes," Schultz began.

"Dart might not be for everyone, but as we explored in last week's column, there's a lot to work with — particularly in the form of leadership.

"Several sources have indicated he won't fall out of the first round, so perhaps Giants general manager Joe Schoen takes either Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter — whomever the Browns don't take at No. 2 — and then moves up from No. 34 to grab Dart."

ESPN's Jordan Raanan previously reported that the Giants worked out Dart a few weeks before his Pro Day, which occurred on Friday, March 28.

The #Giants also did a workout with Jaxson Dart several weeks back before his Pro Day. Big contingent there as well.

So Dart, Sanders, Milroe and Shough are quarterbacks to watch. The private workout is an essential part of Brian Daboll's quarterback process for the draft.… https://t.co/2wLqJXiv1E

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 15, 2025

The Giants also just scheduled private workouts with three other quarterbacks (Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Alabama's Jalen Milroe and Louisville's Tyler Shough), per Schultz.

For what it’s worth, the #Giants had these private QB workouts planned all along, per sources — this isn’t a last-ditch effort. They’re doing full due diligence on this QB class and preparing for all scenarios, including a possible trade back into Round 1 if a QB starts to slide.… https://t.co/3edw3auk8h

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 15, 2025

The latest B/R NFL Scouting Department mock draft has Dart going 24th overall to the Cleveland Browns. In that mock, the Browns traded up from the second round to land at No. 24, a spot currently held by the Minnesota Vikings.

At this point, it's hard seeing Dart slip out of the first round given the hype behind him and recent reports. Plus, as is seemingly the case every year, there's a considerable need for some teams to find a long-term solution at quarterback. Some examples this year include the Giants, Browns, Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dart was exceptional in his final year at Ole Miss, completing 69.3 percent of his passes for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns and just six interceptions. That certainly helped raise his profile this year, and he'll also be heading to Green Bay after accepting an invite to attend the draft in person, which begins on Thursday, April 24.

The New York Giants will be creative with Travis Hunter in the event they pick the Colorado two-way star in the 2025 NFL draft.

"We would not be afraid to play him on both sides of the ball," general manager Joe Schoen told reporters Wednesday.

The GM added that "it would be hard to keep him off the field."

"Travis is a unique individual...he's fun to watch. He's a great kid, it would be hard to keep him off the field. He's motivated to play both ways."

Joe Schoen on Travis Hunter: pic.twitter.com/XziPMabqik

— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) April 16, 2025

Having signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, New York can afford to look past the quarterback position with the No. 3 overall pick. If Hunter is still available, the team might have a hard time bypassing him.

The Heisman Trophy winner is the best player on Bleacher Report's 2025 big board with a 9.2 overall grade. Not surprisingly, he was already gone when the Giants were on the clock in B/R's newest mock.

From the moment he showed as a sophomore he can be effective on offense and defense, the big question with the Buffs standout has been whether he can realistically play both ways in the NFL.

There isn't a modern parallel for that kind of role, and the demands of playing just one position are seemingly too high to envision Hunter splitting his time equally between wide receiver and cornerback like he did in Colorado.

Still, the talented prospect made his desire clear.

"It's never playing football again," Hunter said to CBS Sports' Garrett Podell when asked his reaction to a team telling him he'll only occupy one position. "Because I've been doing it my whole life, and I love being on the football field. I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball, so I really enjoy doing it."

That's probably an exaggeration considering how much money he stands to earn as a likely top-five pick, to say nothing of his earnings beyond his rookie contract.

But it looks like keeping Hunter happy will require letting him use his versatile skill set to full effect.

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen doesn't feel compelled to prioritize quarterback over any other position in the 2025 NFL draft after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

"With the signing of those two players, we put ourselves in a position where I don't think that's mandatory," he told reporters Wednesday. "... We're happy with the makeup of the room right now."

Schoen said there is “depth” to this quarterback class. They will take one “if the board lines up” but they’re not backed into a corner.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) April 16, 2025

New York still needs a long-term solution at QB. Wilson and Winston are both into their 30s, and the former only signed a one-year deal.

The Giants did give themselves more flexibility with the No. 3 overall pick, though. If they aren't enamored with Miami's Cam Ward or Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, assuming one of the two is available, then they can focus on the best player on the board.

The newest Bleacher Report 2025 mock draft had the G-Men taking Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter. Schoen did get a quarterback in the second round, Alabama's Jalen Milroe.

When they're both on the hot seat heading into the season, Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll have a strong incentive to look at a QB on Day 2.

There would be less pressure on a quarterback who's taken in the second or third round, and you can still sell ownership on a wider vision with that player as the starter.

It feels safe to assume, despite Schoen's comments, New York will go after a quarterback sooner or later because Wilson and Winston are just stopgaps. But having less urgency means the franchise can maximize its overall draft haul.

The New York Giants are taking a closer look at multiple top quarterback prospects ahead of the 2025 NFL draft.

The Giants will host Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough for a private workout later this week, according to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones. Alabama's Jalen Milroe is also in line for a workout with Big Blue, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported.

The franchise will hold a workout with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders on Thursday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero previously reported.

The Giants currently hold eight picks in the upcoming draft, including the No. 3, No. 34, No. 65 and No. 105 selections.

Sanders and Shough are ranked as the No. 23 and No. 116 overall prospects, respectively, in Bleacher Report's latest 2025 NFL Draft Big Board. Milroe checks in at No. 77.

ESPN's Jordan Raanan meanwhile reported that the Giants held a private workout with Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart "several weeks back."

The Giants have also met with Syracuse signal caller Kyle McCord, per Raanan. Dart is ranked No. 57 and McCord is No. 129, respectively, on the B/R Big Board.

Raanan called Dart, Sanders, Milroe and Shough "quarterbacks to watch," and noted that ahving a private workout "is an essential part of Brian Daboll's quarterback process for the draft."

The Giants restocked their quarterback room earlier this offseason by signing veteran quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson.

Wilson said after signing in New York that he expected to be QB1 next season, setting up Winston as the presumptive backup.

But Wilson is signed for one season, so there's a chance the Giants will be looking for a new starter again in 2026. Any quarterback drafted by New York this month could potentially spend a season developing before getting a shot at playing the following season.

If the Tennessee Titans target Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the top pick, either cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter or edge rusher Abdul Carter would still be available by the time the Giants get on the board.

It would likely involve passing up on Shedeur Sanders, but should the Giants choose to target one of the developmental quarterbacks like Milroe or Shough likely to be available later in the draft, general manager Joe Schoen could potentially target the best player available at No. 3.