NFL Owners Voting on Kickoff Tweaks as Giants Eye Top Draft Options

The NFL is about to make some big changes and one of the proposals that has everyone talking is the potential overhaul of the kickoff. The competition committee will be voting on this and other proposals during the league meetings in Palm Beach, Florida from March 30 to April 2 so let’s look at how this could impact the New York Giants as they prepare for the 2025 season.

1. Giants’ Draft Decision: Who Should They Take at No. 3?

Just a week ago it seemed like a no brainer that the Giants would take a quarterback with the 3rd pick. But after signing veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston the focus has shifted. With these moves the Giants now have flexibility in how they approach the draft. Here are two of the most compelling options:

Option 1: Travis Hunter (Colorado) – WR/CB

Hunter is considered one of the top prospects in the draft and is ranked #1 by CBS Sports. He’s a unique asset because he won both the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and the Fred Biletnikoff Award for his offense. He might not start full time at both positions but imagine deploying him as a wide receiver and sprinkling him into defensive packages on 3rd down. This dual threat could change everything for the Giants.

“Hunter is the best player in this class” writes Jordan Dajani. “Imagine him as a full time wide receiver with occasional stints at cornerback—now that’s a good possibility.”

Option 2: Abdul Carter (Penn State) – EDGE

A Pass rusher might not be the Giants’ biggest need but Abdul Carter is the best player in the draft according to many. If the Titans take Cam Ward at 1 and the Browns take Shedeur Sanders at 2, Carter could fall to the Giants. Adding a top edge rusher like Carter would strengthen the defense and give the Giants a building block.

“Carter’s edge play speaks for itself,” Dajani says. “He’s the best non QB in this draft.”

2. NFL Proposes Big Kickoff Rule Changes

The competition committee has put forth several proposals for the 2025 season, including changes to the kickoff rules that could change the game.

Make the Dynamic Kickoff Permanent

Last year they tried out the dynamic kickoff—a rule designed to reduce high speed collisions by allowing coverage players to line up closer to the return team. Now they want to make it permanent. Plus:

• Touchbacks to the 35: Currently, touchbacks put the ball at the 30. Under the new proposal, they’d be at the 35. This is to encourage returns rather than automatic touchbacks since teams would only need 20-25 yards to get to field goal range.According to Jonathan Jones, “League data shows a 65-75% return rate if touchbacks are at the 35—more than double the rate from 2024.”

Easier Onside Kicks

Another proposal would loosen the rules on onside kicks. Currently, only trailing teams in the 4th quarter can try them. If passed this would allow any trailing team to try an onside kick at any point in the game. It also changes the alignment rules for the kicking team to make recovery easier.

Expanded Replay Assist

Replay assist may soon cover more penalties, including hits on defenseless players, horse-collar tackles, tripping, and roughing/running into the kicker. Note that replay assist won’t create penalties where none were called—it will only overturn incorrect calls.

All these proposals need 24 of 32 owners to approve at the annual meeting March 30-April 2 in Palm Beach, Florida.

3. Russell Wilson to Start for Giants

After signing with the Giants Russell Wilson said he didn’t sign to sit. In an interview he said he thinks he can still be a starter.

“I’m here to play,” Wilson said. “I think I can still lead this team and bring success to New York.”

With Wilson and Winston on the roster the Giants are set at QB—at least for now. Whether Wilson starts remains to be seen but his veteran presence helps in the locker room.