The New York Giants were highly interested in trading up from No. 6 to No. 3 overall with the New England Patriots in the 2024 NFL draft.
An easy assumption would be the Giants were looking for a quarterback, and they’d have a shot at one of the top-three in that spot.
Drake Maye was believed to be the most likely player to be available with Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels considered locks by many for the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders.
“Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants” provided an incredibly rare look at the process in a recent episode. Giants general manager Joe Schoen discusses strategy before engaging in trade talk with Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf.
“I’m just going to go down there and say, ‘Hey, before you do anything at three, make sure you let us know,'” said Schoen. “Just plant a seed that if you are going to move the pick don’t do it without at least giving us a call. We’re interested.”
— TG Videos (@TalkinGiantsVid) July 10, 2024
The Giants had a great pre-draft interview with Maye leading up to the event. Given the struggles they’ve had at quarterback, they were likely fishing for Daniel Jones’ replacement.
Wolf listened to trade offers, but the Patriots ultimately made the decision to stay put and draft Maye at No. 3. It’s a decision that will be revisited in the coming years as Maye’s NFL career begins to play out.
Regardless, the Patriots felt like they weren’t in a position to pass up on such a promising prospect after the way the last two seasons went with Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. The team needed a major change offensively, and they shook things up by addressing the most important position on the field.