New York Giants Luck Out in Latest Lance Zierlein Mock Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, the New York Giants’ hopes of improving their roster through strategic selections are intensifying. The team is in need of key contributors across several positions, and the latest Lance Zierlein Mock Draft suggests the Giants might be in a favorable position to add immediate talent to their roster. In this mock, the Giants are projected to “luck out” with a selection that fills a crucial hole while also offering long-term upside.
Zierlein, a well-respected NFL draft analyst for NFL.com, is known for his in-depth evaluations and accurate projections. His mock draft provides insight into how teams might approach the draft based on team needs, player fit, and the overall talent pool. According to Zierlein, the Giants are poised to land a potential impact player who could significantly improve their chances of competing in the NFC East and beyond.
Giants’ Top Needs Heading Into the Draft
The New York Giants are coming off a competitive season, but there are still clear areas where they need to bolster their roster. With quarterback Daniel Jones still under contract and star running back Saquon Barkley leading the offense, the Giants’ primary focus heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is on improving both their defense and supporting the offense with key position players.
Here are some of the Giants’ biggest needs heading into the draft:
- Wide Receiver: The Giants need a true No. 1 wide receiver to complement the likes of Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins. A dynamic pass catcher is crucial for the team to elevate its offense to a higher level.
- Offensive Line: While the offensive line has shown some improvement, adding depth and possibly an upgrade at guard or tackle could help improve pass protection for Jones and open running lanes for Barkley.
- Cornerback and Safety: The Giants’ secondary could use additional talent, especially at cornerback and safety, where they are looking for more playmaking ability and consistency.
- Edge Rusher: The Giants have Kayvon Thibodeaux as a promising edge rusher, but adding another pass rusher to complement him would significantly bolster their defensive line.
The Lucky Pick: Jared Wilson, Safety, Georgia
In Zierlein’s latest mock draft, the Giants “lucked out” by securing Jared Wilson, a safety from Georgia, with their first-round pick. This would be an extremely fortunate selection for the Giants, as Wilson’s skill set perfectly aligns with their defensive needs.
Why Jared Wilson Fits the Giants’ Needs
Wilson, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, is a versatile safety who can thrive in both free and strong safety roles. His elite combination of size, speed, and ball skills makes him a dynamic presence in the secondary. Wilson has proven to be an outstanding leader on Georgia’s defense, helping lead them to a national championship and showcasing his ability to make big plays in crucial moments.
Here’s why Wilson would be an ideal pick for the Giants:
- Versatility in Coverage: Wilson’s ability to play deep coverage and also come up near the line of scrimmage as a strong safety makes him a valuable asset. He’s equally effective in zone and man coverage, allowing the Giants to be unpredictable and disguise defensive schemes effectively. His ability to cover tight ends, wide receivers, and running backs out of the backfield would be vital in a division that features dynamic playmakers like Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb and Washington’s Terry McLaurin.
- Playmaking Ability: Wilson excels in making plays on the football. He’s demonstrated an ability to generate turnovers, whether through interceptions or forcing fumbles, and he’s often in the right place at the right time to turn a game around. The Giants’ defense, while solid, would benefit greatly from adding a player with Wilson’s ball skills and ability to change the course of a game.
- Run Support: Wilson is also known for his physicality and his ability to step up and help in run support. The NFC East is home to teams with strong running games, particularly with players like Dallas’ Tony Pollard and Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts. A safety like Wilson, who can make critical stops near the line of scrimmage, would give the Giants defense the flexibility to adjust to different offensive schemes.
- Immediate Impact: With the Giants in need of a difference-maker in the secondary, Wilson has the potential to step in and start immediately. His experience playing in high-pressure games in the SEC and his leadership on a national championship-winning team would allow him to adapt quickly to the NFL’s speed and competition level.
How the Giants’ Secondary Would Improve
Adding Jared Wilson would provide a significant upgrade to the Giants’ secondary, which has had flashes of promise but still needs consistent playmakers. Wilson’s addition would give the team a versatile safety who could allow them to deploy more creative coverages and provide additional support in the run game.
Pairing Wilson with current starters like Adoree’ Jackson and Xavier McKinney would create one of the more formidable secondary groups in the NFC East. McKinney, who has shown significant growth since entering the league, would complement Wilson in a dynamic safety duo. Additionally, Jackson’s ability to lock down opposing wide receivers could allow Wilson to focus more on making plays in the passing game and taking on tight ends and running backs in coverage.
Other Potential Picks for the Giants
While Jared Wilson may be the standout selection in this mock draft, it’s worth considering what other moves the Giants could make with their upcoming picks. Given their roster needs, the Giants could also look at other top prospects, depending on how the draft unfolds.
- Wide Receiver Options: If the Giants are unable to land a top-tier safety or opt for a different position in the first round, they could address their need for a No. 1 wide receiver. Players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Quentin Johnston could be available to provide Daniel Jones with a dynamic weapon on the outside.
- Offensive Line Help: With the Giants still looking to shore up their offensive line, names like Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee) or John Michael Schmitz (IOL, Minnesota) could be enticing picks later in the first or second round to improve the protection for Jones and create running lanes for Saquon Barkley.
- Edge Rusher: Adding another pass rusher to complement Kayvon Thibodeaux could be on the agenda if the Giants feel they need more firepower in the trenches. Players like Nolan Smith from Georgia or Tyree Wilson from Texas Tech could provide the kind of explosiveness and power the defense needs.
A Lucky Break for the Giants
In Lance Zierlein’s latest mock draft, the New York Giants “lucked out” by selecting Jared Wilson, a safety from Georgia, in the first round. This selection would be a significant win for the Giants, providing them with an immediate impact player who could help elevate their defense to a new level.
Wilson’s blend of versatility, playmaking ability, and leadership on the field would make him a key addition to the Giants’ secondary, allowing the team to further solidify its defensive backbone. As the draft approaches, this lucky pick could be the catalyst for a brighter future for the Giants, positioning them to compete with the best in the NFC East and beyond.