April 19, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ
The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and New York Giants fans are buzzing with cautious optimism. After a disappointing 2024 season that saw flashes of promise but ultimately ended in another early exit, the front office wasted no time in reloading key positions with fresh talent.
Now the big question looms: Which of these rookies can step in and deliver from Day One?
The Draft Recap: Big Blue’s Key Picks
Let’s break down the New York Giants’ top 5 picks and examine who might emerge as an immediate contributor in the 2025 season.
Round 1, Pick 8: Malik Spencer – WR, Ohio State
The Giants desperately needed a true WR1—and they may have found it in Malik Spencer, a dynamic playmaker with elite speed, crisp route-running, and strong hands.
At Ohio State, Spencer recorded over 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns in his junior year. His ability to stretch the field and win contested catches is exactly what the Giants’ offense lacked in 2024.
Instant Impact Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Projected Week 1 Starter. Potential to lead the team in receiving yards.
Round 2, Pick 40: Zane Wallace – OT, Oregon
Injuries and inconsistency plagued the offensive line last season. Wallace brings versatility and durability—he can play either tackle position and is known for his solid footwork in pass protection.
The Giants are expected to plug him in on the right side immediately to protect QB Daniel Jones (or his potential successor).
Instant Impact Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Could start early. Big upgrade in pass protection.
Round 3, Pick 73: Elijah Rhodes – DT, Georgia
Rhodes is a classic Giants pick: tough, physical, and built for trench warfare. Coming from the Georgia defensive machine, he adds depth and raw strength to the defensive line alongside Dexter Lawrence.
While he may not start, expect him to rotate in heavy packages and short-yardage situations.
Instant Impact Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Rotation player with high upside. Could earn starting reps midseason.
Round 4, Pick 111: Jaden McBride – LB, Penn State
Speedy, instinctive, and explosive—McBride is a linebacker who flies around the field. He’s not quite ready to anchor the defense, but he’ll almost certainly make an impact on special teams from Day One, with the potential to grow into a three-down role.
Instant Impact Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
Special teams ace. Developmental starter potential.
Round 5, Pick 145: Kameron Blake – CB, UCF
A scrappy corner with great ball awareness, Blake could quickly move up the depth chart in a secondary that’s still finding its identity. His college tape shows a knack for picking off passes and locking down slot receivers.
Instant Impact Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Nickel corner in the making. Strong preseason could boost role.
Giants’ Draft Strategy: Future-Forward, But Focused on Now
Unlike some past years where the Giants drafted purely for long-term development, this 2025 class feels more ready-made. New York has been stuck in “rebuilding” mode for years, and this draft signals a shift in urgency. The front office clearly wants players who can contribute immediately—especially on offense.
General Manager Joe Schoen put it best in his post-draft presser:
“We drafted for versatility, toughness, and leadership. We want guys who are not only talented but ready to compete from Day One.”
Coaching Will Be Key
Brian Daboll now has the tools. The pressure is on him and his coaching staff to develop these rookies fast and integrate them into a team hungry to get back to playoff relevance.
If Malik Spencer delivers as expected and the O-line stabilizes with Wallace, we could be looking at a very different Giants team in 2025.
Final Take
Instant Impact Rankings (Top 3):
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Malik Spencer (WR) – Day 1 playmaker
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Zane Wallace (OT) – Stabilizing force on the O-line
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Elijah Rhodes (DT) – Adds strength to the front 7
The Giants haven’t had a rookie class this promising in years. Now, it’s up to the players—and the coaches—to turn potential into production.