NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Giants Swing Blockbuster Trade for No. 1 Pick

· Mar 20 - 5 minutes read

The first week of NFL free agency has sent shockwaves through the league, with big names like DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil on the move. Quarterback dominoes are still falling as Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson remain unsigned, but the biggest draft shake-up might not be who gets taken No. 1 overall — it’s which makes that pick.

The Tennessee Titans own the No. 1 overall pick. However, after missing on top-tier free agents and still being multiple pieces away from contention, they may not be the team that actually makes the top overall selection.

NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Giants Swing Blockbuster Trade for No. 1 Pick on March 18 — Cam Ward #1 | Todd Kirkland/Getty Images/AFP

Instead, expect the New York Giants to move up the board boldly. Let’s break down the latest odds and mock NFL predictions after free agency reshaped the league.

2025 NFL Draft – 1st Overall Pick Favorites

Cameron Ward
Abdul Carter
Travis Hunter
Shedeur Sanders

My Prediction for the 2025 NFL Draft

No. 1 Overall Pick – Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Pre-Free Agency Projection: Browns No. 2
Updated Projection: Giants (via trade with Titans)

The Titans reportedly like Cam Ward, but what they might like even more is the massive trade package the Giants will offer them to move up. New York swung and missed on quarterbacks in free agency and, facing a daunting NFL schedule in the NFC East, is now desperate to land its franchise passer.

Ward remains a high-risk, high-reward prospect. His off-script playmaking, elite arm talent and mobility make him the kind of quarterback who can thrive in today’s NFL. But his gunslinger mentality and questionable decision-making raise concerns, which makes whichever team that signs him a risky bet on NFL futures odds.

“It certainly seems like there’s a mounting consensus that Cam Ward is going to be the No. 1 pick.”

Based off what @AdamSchefter is hearing, even if the Titans trade back, Cam Ward will be the No. 1 pick 👀 pic.twitter.com/dC1dZM7KsR

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 17, 2025

He’s not a finished product, but the Giants can’t afford to wait any longer at quarterback. Expect them to take a big swing at No. 1.

2nd Overall Pick – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Pre-Free Agency Projection: Titans No. 1
Updated Projection: Browns No. 2

Cleveland may have addressed the quarterback situation already by trading for Kenny Pickett and showing interest in Kirk Cousins. That frees up the Browns to take the best overall player in the draft, and Abdul Carter fits the bill. His NFL Draft odds last month had me clamoring at the chance to bet on him to be first off the board. But after thinking it over more, No. 2 makes more sense for Carter.

The Browns made a huge financial commitment with a long-term extension for standout pass rusher Myles Garrett, the favorite in NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds at +650. That allows them to pair him with Carter, the most explosive edge defender available. His Micah Parsons-like burst and versatility make him a game-changing force who can elevate an already strong defense.

3rd Overall Pick – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Pre-Free Agency Projection: Uncertain
Updated Projection: Titans at No. 3

After trading down with the Giants for players or additional NFL draft picks in later rounds, the Titans pass on a quarterback and instead draft the most unique talent in the class.

𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: 2027 WR Trayvis Hunter, the younger brother of Travis Hunter is DOMINATING at the OT7 tournament in Dallas.

The Hunter genetics need to be studied 🤯 pic.twitter.com/m01u5rHhmi

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 16, 2025

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter can play both cornerback and wide receiver at a high level, and his versatility makes him an ideal pick for a Titans team with multiple holes. With the ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball, Hunter provides immediate value to a roster that still needs work before becoming a contender.

Final Predictions: Titans Trade Down, Giants Go All-In

The biggest NFL news post-free agency? I believe the Titans don’t make the first pick. Instead, the Giants jump up to No. 1 to grab their quarterback while Cleveland snags the best defensive player and Tennessee lands a do-it-all playmaker after trading back.

Cam Ward should be #1 pick

That doesn’t mean he is flawless. @Titans pic.twitter.com/lyk01VsBMc

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 17, 2025

If Cam Ward hits, the Giants win big. But if he struggles with the same decision-making issues he showed in college, New York could be looking at yet another QB bust.