Giants Can 'Own' Draft Despite 'Red Flags' Warning

A great way to "own'' the first round of an NFL Draft?

Own a top-3 pick.

A great way to "own'' the draft as a whole?

Take some risks.

The New York Giants seem to be closing in on the idea of skipping on a quarterback selection atop the 2025 NFL Draft ... and when you check out our simulation below, you'll see they skip on a QB altogether in the early going.

General manager Joe Schoen is trying to save his job. Risks can be a part of that.

So in that vein, our Giants beat writer Anthony Licciardi has gotten to work, with a 2-round mock that makes it easy and obvious up top ...

And a red-flag risk in Round 2 that, if he hits, might just save some jobs around here.

With most of the starting roles already solidified on offense, the defense may see even more investment in the 2025 NFL Draft. Likewise, the Giants picked two first-round talents in the following three-round mock draft, made using Pro Football and Sports Network’s mock draft simulator.

Round 1, Pick 3: Penn State Edge Rusher Abdul Carter - The Again, this one is easy.

Writes Licciardi: "The tea leaves seem to be pointing towards Carter and the No. 3 pick, complicating New York’s matters up front. Carter would be a luxury pick in the short term, as Kayvon Thibodeaux did enough to retain his starting job in 2025.

"However, his immense talent allows the team to move on from Thibodeaux if need be, and he’ll quickly push him for playing time.''

"Blending elite athleticism with a knack for good hand usage, despite his inexperience, Carter is the best pass rusher in the class and offers a promising blend of floor and ceiling. He might create some logistical problems in 2205. Pairing him with Brian Burns for 2026 and beyond will keep New York in the conversation for elite defensive lines.''

And so Schoen here makes a selection that won't come under much fire - except maybe from Shedeur Sanders' dad, Deion.

So "safe and easy'' is followed by ...

Round 2, Pick 34: Notre Dame Cornerback Benjamin Morrison - And this is the risk.

Licciardi writes: "If Morrison didn’t have some real red flags in his profile, he wouldn’t be on the board early in Round 2. Also a hip injury dampened his pre-2024 hype.

"However, Morrison entered the year as a top-three corner in the class, alongside Will Johnson and Travis Hunter.

"Morrison addresses that hole with a blend of physicality and ball skills that lend itself to upside. If he’s back at full strength, his athleticism will make a real impact while he irons out technical inconsistencies.''

We're not going to argue that Morrison is a match for the Colorado stud Hunter. We're also not going to nitpick about Carter just because Kayvon is already here.

But these two picks? One solid as a rock, the other a roll of the dice?

The Giants can turn red flags into green lights.