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Jaxson Dart on NY Giants trade to pick him in 2025 NFL Draft

Jaxson Dart addressed the media after the Giants traded back into the first round to pick him in the 2025 NFL Draft.

EAST RUTHERFORD – Now that the NFL Draft is over, the New York Giants‘ roster is starting to take shape.

We have a much more complete picture of how Big Blue wants to take the next step, a much-needed leap from a 3-win season following a positive three days that saw general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll add high level talent with tremendous value at what they hope were difference-making positions.

There was fear from some fans and within the media that general manager Joe Schoen would be reckless, throwing cash from co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch all over the place in what would be a perceived attempt at saving face and his job.

Despite speculation, that has not happened; if anything, Schoen has been patient and calculated.

Here, then, is a way-too-early Giants roster projection and depth chart. The backups are listed in order of their perceived spot on the depth chart.

Giants depth chart: Quarterback

Starter: Russell Wilson

Reserves: Jameis Winston, Jaxson Dart, Tommy DeVito

Breakdown: Given the relatively inexpensive deals worth $10.5 million for Wilson and $8 million over two years for Winston, the Giants were still set up a big move at the position in the NFL Draft and they did in selecting Dart. Wilson is the starter and Winston, on a 2-year deal, is the backup. The Giants have a plan to develop Dart, and they won’t place expectations on him in theory until he is ready. DeVito appears to be the odd man out on the active roster, but he has value as the only QB with experience in this offense. The Giants still like DeVito, so don’t discount the practice squad even if he gets the chance to explore other opportunities later this summer. An unforeseen injury could open a door that currently does not exist.

Giants depth chart: Running back

Starter: Tyrone Tracy

Reserves: Devin Singletary, Cam Skattebo, Eric Gray, Turbo Miller, Rushawn Baker

Breakdown: The Giants saw a lot to like from Tracy last season, but there was room for another back to complement Tracy, or for Tracy to complement. That’s Skattebo, whose powerful style and electric personality should make him a fan favorite. Those two backs together should provide a great foundation here. Singletary is a solid veteran. We’ll see if either Gray, a fifth-round pick two years ago, or Miller can push him for a spot. Baker, an undrafted rookie from Elon, will join the team boasting a superb athletic profile.

Giants depth chart: Wide receiver

Starters: Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson (slot)

Reserves: Jalin Hyatt, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Zach Pascal, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Beaux Collins, Juice Wells, Dalen Cambre, Jordan Bly, Da’Quan Felton, Nate McCollum, Montrell Washington

Breakdown: Nabers’ presence is undeniable. Slayton’s return was unexpected, but he’s a mainstay and could be even more productive with Wilson’s superb deep ball. Maybe Robinson won’t take as much punishment if his quarterbacks could be sharper with their anticipation. Hyatt’s status will be a fascinating watch. On paper, he should have a chance to expand his role with Wilson. But with Slayton back, can he earn chances away from the veteran or will he be better served elsewhere? Smith-Marsette, the key returner, would love more snaps at WR. Collins, Wells, Cambre, Bly, Felton and McCollum are all UDFA signings.Wells could surprise early and in camp if his rapport with Ole Miss teammate Jaxson Dart shows up. He may be a sleeper and his presence could also help Dart throughout his development as well.

Giants depth chart: Offensive line

Starters from left to right: Andrew Thomas, Jon Runyan Jr., John Michael Schmitz, Greg Van Roten, Jermaine Eluemunor

Reserves: G Jake Kubas, T/G Marcus Mbow, T James Hudson, T/G Evan Neal, OL Joshua Ezeudu, G Aaron Stinnie, C Austin Schlottmann, OL Stone Forsythe, C Jimmy Morrissey, C Bryan Hudson, OL Jaison Williams

Breakdown: The Giants see a lot to like in Mbow, their fifth-round pick from Purdue. He’ll work at tackle and guard in the offseason program, and it’ll be interesting to see how quickly he comes along. The depth of this group has wrecked whatever plans they had at the start of the last two seasons. Right now, the numbers are there and the talent is more proven. Hudson is likely the first up at swing tackle. Could that be Mbow with Kubas pushing Van Roten? Van Roten could be the backup for Schmitz. Whatever plan they set in motion for Neal, either to stay at tackle or to move inside to guard, will be worth watching. They already decided to not pick up the fifth-year option in his rookie contract.

Giants depth chart: Tight end

Starter: Theo Johnson

Reserves: Daniel Bellinger, Chris Manhertz, Thomas Fidone II, Greg Dulcich

Breakdown: A foot injury ended Johnson’s rookie season just when he was getting going, so there are big plans for the former Penn State star heading into this year. Manhertz was a solid contributor last season. Bellinger’s role was limited time last year. The Giants showed some interest in tight end prospects, so adding a tight end was expected. Did they find a sleeper in Nebraska’s Fidone? Dulcich joined the team late, so it’ll be interesting to see if he can show something this summer.

Giants depth chart: Defensive line

Starters: Dexter Lawrence, Darius Alexander, Rakeem Nunez-Roches

Reserves: Roy Robertson-Harris, Jeremiah Ledbetter, Elijah Chatman, Jordon Riley, Elijah Garcia, D.J. Davidson, Casey Rogers, Cory Durden

Breakdown: The Giants wanted to draft a running mate for Dexter Lawrence and that came early in the draft with the addition of Alexander, who has a lot of tools worthy of his third-round pick status. The veterans Nunez-Roches, Robertson-Harris and Ledbetter will be fighting to earn spots in an anticipated rotation. Listed him with the edge rushers, but free agent signee Chauncey Golston will be an interesting chess piece up front. He could factor with the defensive line, too.

Giants depth chart: Edge rushers

Starters: Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux

Reserves: Chauncey Golston, Victor Dimukeje, Tomon Fox, Trace Ford

Breakdown: The Giants added a front-line talent at No. 3 with Carter, and it would be to their detriment if they did not have him on the field a majority of the time. They’ll have to be creative and Carter’s experience at off ball linebacker should allow for some interesting combinations. There has been speculation about Thibodeaux as a potential trade piece, but given the depth here, that would be weakening the unit. The Giants are picking up his fifth-year option, but a long-term extension at the moment is a different story. Ford is a UDFA signing.

Giants depth chart: Inside linebacker

Starters: Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden

Reserves: Darius Muasau, Dyontae Johnson, Chris Board, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles

Breakdown: The Giants are counting on Okereke to have a bounce back season and for McFadden’s continued development following a breakout campaign. One of the overlooked components of this defense and making sure it reaches its potential is getting 2024 Okereke back in the fold. That should be a priority. First-round rookie Abdul Carter could factor here as well in a sub-package capacity. This unit has young players who could step up with Muasau and Johnson. Board and Flannigan-Fowles are core special teamers.

Giants depth chart: Cornerback

Starters: Paulson Adebo, Tae Banks, Dru Phillips (nickel)

Reserves: Cor’Dale Flott, Korie Black, Tre Hawkins, Art Green, Dee Williams, Nic Jones

Breakdown: The Giants can certainly add talent to this group, but Adebo is a serious upgrade. That should allow Banks to settle in at CB2 with Phillips in line for a breakout in the slot. Flott showed signs of coming into his own on the boundary before an injury ended his year and momentum yet again. Watch for Black to surprise.

Giants depth chart: Safety

Starters: Jevon Holland, Tyler Nubin

Reserves: Dane Belton, Raheem Layne, Anthony Johnson, Makari Paige, R.J. Delancy, Tommy McCormick

Breakdown: The pairing of Holland and Nubin could be special, if the Giants figure out how to use their talents to make a difference on the back end. Any number of the UDFA rookies can put pressure on for a roster spot.

Giants depth chart: Specialists

Starters: Casey Kreiter-long snapper, Jamie Gillan-punter/holder, Graham Gano-kicker

Reserve: Jude McAtamney-kicker (International Pathway Program)

Breakdown: The Giants appear ready to roll with what is, if healthy, a solid group of veterans. Gano’s last two seasons have been derailed by injury, so he needs to avoid that and stay on the field. Smith-Marsette emerged as a weapon as the punt and kickoff returner.

NY Giants spring schedule

Rookie camp: May 9-10

OTAs: May 27-28, May 30; June 2-3, June 5, June 9-10, June 12-13

Mandatory minicamp: June 17-19

Training camp: Late July

NY Giants needs

What the Giants need more than anything else is for their younger players to develop at a quicker pace – looking at you, Tae Banks – and for their veterans on the offensive line to be blessed with far greater luck in terms of injuries this season. If Schoen looks to add, the interior lines, inside linebacker, cornerback and safety could use more depth.

NY Giants NFL Draft picks 2025Round 1, Pick 3: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn StateRound 1, Pick 25: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole MissRound 3, Pick 65: Darius Alexander, DT, ToledoRound 4, Pick 105: Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona StateRound 5, Pick 154: Marcus Mbow, OL, PurdueRound 7, Pick 219: Thomas Fadone II, TE, NebraskaRound 7, Pick 256: Korie Black, CB, Oklahoma State