New York Giants GM accidentally reveals expectation for top rookie QB: 'I haven't been around him'
The first day of NFL Combine press conferences had several major insights for fans of the 2025 NFL Draft. Some reading between the lines was key, but expectations were set by decision-makers. New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen had a particularly interesting remark about Miami quarterback Cameron Ward. Ward, unanimously a top two quarterback […]
The first day of NFL Combine press conferences had several major insights for fans of the 2025 NFL Draft. Some reading between the lines was key, but expectations were set by decision-makers. New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen had a particularly interesting remark about Miami quarterback Cameron Ward.
Ward, unanimously a top two quarterback prospect in the class, has become the odds-on favorite to be taken before the Giants are on the clock with the third overall pick. That likely played into Schoen's admission that he hasn't done much work on someone who is a logical target.
"I haven't been around Cam. That's something we'll have to get around. I've seen him play a couple of times."
The Giants are picking behind two franchises that are also closely looking at the quarterbacks available in this class. If Tennessee or Cleveland pass on Ward or Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, the Giants are in perfect position to scoop one up.
But the Giants showing an unwillingness to tip their preference is not a surprise. Even with recent reports of the Giants' affinity for Sanders over Ward, that may be some gamesmanship based on who they expect to be on the board.
Schoen is surely keeping trade talks active without disclosing his preference for either passer. He might be happy to land either Ward or Sanders, but if he tips off Tennessee or Cleveland as to who he prefers, that could change the trade package. Even though Tennessee would be walking a tightrope by moving from No. 1 to 3 and risking Cleveland going for a QB, it's possible they have intel that the Browns prefer Abdul Carter.
The unlikely scenario is that Schoen is really that behind on Ward. The Giants' scouts have surely done the legwork on him already, and Schoen has been briefed to some degree. There's some legalese happening with his words, as he might have no reason to dig in more if Ward is a top two lock and the Giants can't move into one of those picks.
