Tag: Joe Schoen

  • New York Giants Linked to Elite 2026 Offensive Lineman

    New York Giants Linked to Elite 2026 Offensive Lineman

    For the New York Giants, protecting their young quarterback isn’t just important — it’s essential. With Jaxson Dart seen by many as the long-term answer under center, the team faces a critical question: How do they keep him upright and give him time to develop?

    One of the best ways? Strengthening the offensive line.

    And according to the latest 2026 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Sports Network, the Giants could land one of the most coveted prospects in the class: Kadyn Proctor, a blue-chip offensive tackle out of Alabama.

    If this projection comes true, it could reshape the entire trajectory of Big Blue’s offense.

    Why Kadyn Proctor Makes Sense

    Proctor, a massive and technically sound tackle, has drawn rave reviews for his ability to thrive in both gap and zone blocking schemes — something that fits perfectly with the Giants’ current system.

    Though he typically plays left tackle, the mock suggests he’d slide over to the right side, where he can use his strength and footwork to dominate at the point of attack.

    Paired with Andrew Thomas, who continues to blossom into one of the league’s top left tackles, Proctor would give the Giants a formidable bookend duo — potentially the best they’ve had in years.

    That kind of protection could make all the difference for Dart, allowing him to grow without constantly dodging defenders in the backfield.

    The Bigger Picture: A Rebuild or a Reset?

    Of course, there’s a catch.

    For the Giants to land the first overall pick, things would have to go very wrong in 2025. That means continued struggles for Dart, a defense that underperforms despite its potential, and possibly even a coaching change or front office shake-up.

    In other words, if this mock becomes reality, it won’t be because everything went right.

    A first-overall selection implies a disastrous season, which would likely mean a new general manager — and possibly a new head coach — making the call on draft day.

    And in that scenario, even Dart might not be safe.

    What This Means for the Future

    Right now, Dart is considered the quarterback of the future. But football is a business, and a fresh regime might have different ideas.

    If the Giants end up with the top pick and bring in a new brain trust, the direction of the franchise could shift dramatically.

    Still, landing a player like Proctor wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize. Even if Dart’s future becomes uncertain, having elite protection on the edges would help whoever ends up under center.

    And if the Giants do stick with Dart, giving him time to throw could finally unlock his potential.

    Final Thought: Hope Through the Chaos

    While no fan wants to see another rough season, the idea of adding a talent like Kadyn Proctor brings some silver lining.

    Whether the Giants are rebuilding or retooling, investing in elite protection for the quarterback is never a bad move.

    And for now, with uncertainty swirling around the roster and coaching staff, the 2026 draft offers a chance to start over, or at least start better.

  • Why the Giants Passing Game Faces Major Challenges Early in 2025

    Why the Giants Passing Game Faces Major Challenges Early in 2025

    The New York Giants are entering 2025 with hope, looking to recapture the magic of 2022 when they got off to a fast start and made the playoffs. But this year’s schedule is tough for their passing offense and may make it hard to duplicate that early season success.

    Tough Schedule Ahead

    According to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football, the Giants face 5 top-7 pass defenses from 2024 in the first 5 games: Denver, Philadelphia, LA Chargers, Washington, and Kansas City. Those games come at a time when the Giants’ passing game is still finding its way.

    Last year, the Giants were 28th in the NFL in passing offense, averaging 189.9 yards per game. With Russell Wilson under center there’s hope his veteran presence will spark the deep ball. But with no significant upgrades to the OL or WR corps, it’s hard to see how the Giants can keep up with these top defenses early in the season.

    Play-Calling Questions Remain

    Another issue with the Giants’ passing game is the play-calling. In 2024, head coach Brian Daboll took play-calling away from offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Unfortunately, the results were worse than Kafka’s tenure despite similar QB instability.

    Will Daboll continue to call plays or give it back to Kafka? Either way, fixing the passing game will require more than a change in leadership—it needs better execution, improved protection and consistent chemistry between Wilson and his receivers.

    High Stakes for Schoen and Daboll

    For GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, getting off to a good start in 2025 is key, not just for the team’s morale but for their own jobs. Schoen recently told Kay Adams on FanDuel’s Up & Adams podcast, “You’d always like to get off to a fast start if you can.”

    But with this tough schedule ahead, it won’t be easy. If the Giants stumble out of the gate again (like they did in 2023 and 2024), it could be a sign of deeper issues within the organization. Ownership may start to wonder if Schoen and Daboll’s plan is worth sticking with or if it’s time for a full rebuild.

    What Needs to Happen?

    To overcome these challenges the Giants need:

    • Improved Protection: Russell Wilson needs time to throw which means the OL needs to step up.
    • Weaponry Upgrades: A reliable outside receiver would take pressure off Nabers and give Wilson more options downfield.
    • Execution Under Pressure: Facing top defenses requires precision and confidence, qualities the Giants have lacked in recent years.

    If the Giants can get a modest start it might buy Schoen and Daboll some time to prove their plan is working. But if not the calls for change will get louder.

  • Will Gabe Davis Join the Giants? Joe Schoen Breaks His Silence

    Will Gabe Davis Join the Giants? Joe Schoen Breaks His Silence

    The New York Giants may not be done adding to their roster. Despite wrapping up most of their offseason moves, general manager Joe Schoen said the team brought in free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis for a visit.

    On Up & Adams, Schoen said Davis was at the Giants’ facility and even joined the staff for dinner. It was described as a “get to know you” meeting rather than a formal negotiation.

    “He came in yesterday, and I have history with him, having been in Buffalo when we drafted him,” Schoen told host Kay Adams. “And Dabes was there, and Chad Hall was his receivers coach in Buffalo and in Jacksonville, and we brought him up.”

    Schoen added, “He’s coming off an injury, he was cut by Jacksonville, he came up for a visit. He hadn’t been in New York to see our facility, our staff. Just a little “get to know” meeting yesterday, went out for dinner, and then we’ll see if anything happens here down the road.”

    Why Gabe Davis Makes Sense for the Giants?

    Davis has a connection to the Giants. Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll worked with him in Buffalo. In those two seasons (2020-2021) he was a reliable deep threat with 70 catches for 1,148 yards and 13 TDs.

    His role was clear: stretch the field vertically and make splash plays. He’s not the most polished route runner or consistent after the catch but he’s made big plays to keep him in the league.

    For the Giants he’d be an upgrade over Jalin Hyatt who has struggled to find a consistent role in a similar boundary-stretching role. If healthy he’d bring stability and explosiveness to a position group that’s thin.

    Obstacles to Signing Gabe Davis

    Davis has a connection to the Giants. Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll worked with him in Buffalo. In those two seasons (2020-2021), he was a reliable deep threat with 70 catches for 1,148 yards and 13 TDs.

    His role was clear: stretch the field vertically and make splash plays. He’s not the most polished route runner or consistent after the catch, but he’s made big plays to keep him in the league.

    For the Giants, he’d be an upgrade over Jalin Hyatt, who has struggled to find a consistent role in a similar boundary-stretching role. If healthy, he’d bring stability and explosiveness to a position group that’s thin.

    What’s Next for the Giants and Davis?

    The Giants don’t need a marquee wide receiver, but adding Davis would give them flexibility and depth behind their starters. With training camp still months away, there’s plenty of time for both sides to explore the possibility of a partnership.

    If Davis signs, it won’t be because of his ceiling—it’ll be because of his familiarity with the coaching staff and his ability to fill a specific role. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see if this courtship leads to something more.

    Final Thoughts: A Familiar Face Fills a Need

    The Giants are looking to address depth at wide receiver without breaking the bank. Nothing is set in stone, but the history between Davis, Schoen, and Daboll makes this a possibility.

    Keep an eye on how Davis fits into their plans or if another team signs him first.

  • Schoen Rejects Claims Giants Coaches Pushed for Jaxson Dart

    Schoen Rejects Claims Giants Coaches Pushed for Jaxson Dart

    Joe Schoen says the Giants didn’t just draft Jaxson Dart because of Brian Daboll and his staff. During an appearance on FanDuel TV’s Up & Adams on May 15, Schoen said the decision was a team effort, not driven by one person or group.

    Debunking the “Coaching-Driven Pick” Narrative

    A narrative had developed in NFL circles that while the front office loved Shedeur Sanders, a player they spent a lot of time on, the coaching staff pushed hard for Dart. This theory gained traction after the Giants released behind-the-scenes footage of draft night, where Schoen turned to Daboll and said, “You guys are sold on him. You believe in him.”

    But Schoen was quick to squash that notion.

    “It was an organizational decision,” Schoen said. “Any player we take is a collaborative process, and it’s very detailed, and we believe in it.”

    He mentioned that Dart had been on the team’s radar since the fall and that he himself had attended Dart’s final college game in person. Schoen highlighted the alignment between the coaching staff and scouting department as a key factor in the decision.

    “Three coaches on staff (Daboll, offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney) that have been part of the development of two pretty good quarterbacks in the league right now (Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen) and when they are sold on a player and the scouting staff is sold on a player, typically you have the best chance for success in those situations,” Schoen said.

    The Giants narrowed their focus on Dart just three days before the draft and eliminated outside noise. Meanwhile, Sanders, who some in the organization preferred, fell to the 5th round and was taken by the Browns.

    Jaxson Dart: The Right Fit for the Giants?

    Schoen said Dart wasn’t just “Daboll’s guy” but someone who has earned support across the organization. He likes the rookie quarterback’s potential and how his skill set fits the offense.

    “We want to get off to a fast start,” Schoen said, referencing the Giants’ tough opening schedule. With the Commanders, Cowboys, Chiefs, and Chargers in the first four weeks, Dart will have to adjust quickly if he gets the job.

    Schoen didn’t claim Dart as his personal favorite but reiterated his confidence in the process that led to his selection.

    Other Takeaways from Schoen’s Appearance

    Free Agent WR Gabe Davis in Play

    Schoen said free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis recently had dinner with him after visiting the Giants’ facility. Davis, whom Schoen drafted to the Bills in 2020, is recovering from a season-ending knee injury and was just cut by the Jaguars.

    “We’ll see what happens here,” Schoen said. “No announcements today.”

    This would add depth to a receiving corps that didn’t make plays last year.

    Toughest Schedule in the NFL

    The Giants have the toughest schedule in the NFL based on 2024 opponents’ win percentages. Schoen doesn’t mind. “You want to get off to a fast start,” he said. “We did that in 2022 and haven’t in the last two years.”

    When asked if he likes the schedule, Schoen said: “Can’t do anything about it.”

  • Could the Giants Trade for the No. 1 Pick from the Titans?

    Could the Giants Trade for the No. 1 Pick from the Titans?

    The New York Giants are on a mission to find their quarterback of the future, and one bold move could secure their target: trading up to the No. 1 overall pick with the Tennessee Titans. With the Titans holding the top selection and uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation, the Giants could make a blockbuster deal to land their preferred prospect, likely Cam Ward of Miami.

    Why the Giants Need to Move Up?

    The Giants quarterback situation is up in the air and GM Joe Schoen has said it’s a top priority. They have the #3 pick and trading up to #1 would guarantee them their top quarterback, whether it’s Ward or another prospect like Shedeur Sanders.

    “Everybody knows that,” Schoen said at the NFL Scouting Combine, emphasizing the team’s need for a franchise quarterback.

    Why the Titans Might Trade the No. 1 Pick?

    The Titans, led by first-year GM Mike Borgonzi, are in an interesting position. While they have Will Levis, he hasn’t solidified himself as the long-term answer at quarterback. If the Titans don’t view Ward or Sanders as generational talents, they could trade down, acquire additional draft capital, and still land a top prospect like Travis Hunter (Colorado) or Abdul Carter (Penn State).

    Borgonzi stated that no decision on trading the No. 1 pick will be made until closer to the draft, as the team continues evaluating its options.

    Who else wants the No. 1 pick?

    The Giants aren’t the only ones who want to move up. The Cleveland Browns have the No. 2 pick and could also make a run at the top spot. This could play to the Titans’ advantage as they can use the Giants and Browns against each other to get the most they can.

    NFL insider Ian Rapoport says the Titans are taking their time with the decision and Field Yates of ESPN thinks they can create a “bidding war” between the Giants and Browns.

    What Would It Take to Trade Up?

    Trading up to No. 1 won’t come cheap. Historically moving into the top spot means giving up multiple 1st round picks, other picks and sometimes players. For the Giants this could mean giving up their 2025 and 2026 1st rounders and other assets. It’s a lot to give up but if they think Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders is their franchise savior it might be worth it.

    One advantage the Titans have is time. As a team with a rookie GM and second-year head coach, they’re not under the same immediate pressure to find the guy at quarterback. They can afford to play the long game, whether that means drafting a quarterback, trading down, or addressing another position entirely.