Brian Daboll isn’t trying to throw anyone off the scent, but he may have done just that by being too obvious. While much of the pre-draft conversation around the Giants has centered on quarterbacks, the team’s recent actions point to something else entirely: a shifting draft philosophy, one that’s quietly leaning toward the defensive side of the ball. Not out of panic or necessity, but strategy.

The Giants are sitting at No. 3 in a draft where the top two quarterbacks are unlikely to fall in their lap. And the two who might—Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders—come with more questions than clarity. That’s not to say either lacks talent. Ward has the tools and off-script magic, and Sanders brings polish and competitive grit. But at No. 3, New York would be paying full price for incomplete evaluations. For a team in the middle of a retool, that’s a steep bet.

So they’re pivoting, quietly. Not by words, but by action.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday morning that Penn State star edge rusher Abdul Carter had breakfast on Sunday with Giants head coach Brian Daboll. However, their meeting at State College, Pa, appears to be just an appetizer for a bigger feast. Carter is also expected to visit the Big Blue’s facilities on Thursday so that the Giants can have a closer look at him.

Considering the Giants have already signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, the QB isn’t a pressing issue. Yeah, they could have still added a young signal-caller. However, the chances of Ward or Sanders falling on their laps remain tough. The Titans and the Browns are both desperately searching for QBs. So, you can’t blame the Giants for possibly ending their pursuit of a QB and instead turning their eyes on this year’s No.1 defensive prospect.

Carter’s production was not only consistent but also high-impact. He finished with 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss, leading the FBS in the latter category. His pass-rush win rate on true pass sets (24.1%) exceeded even that of recent top picks like Will Anderson (21.7% in 2022). Carter’s burst off the snap, ability to convert speed to power, and advanced use of leverage and hand placement make him one of the few prospects in this class with plug-and-play potential as a starting NFL edge rusher.

He projects as a clean schematic fit in New York’s front. The Giants’ acquisition of Brian Burns gives them a high-side edge presence, while Kayvon Thibodeaux has developed into a capable every-down threat. Carter, with his background as a linebacker and edge hybrid, adds a level of pressure, flexibility and depth that allows the team to rotate or scheme exotic looks without compromising gap integrity.

That pivot toward defense could also be a reflection of how the Giants expect the top of the board to unfold. If Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders go off the board early, New York gains little by forcing a quarterback pick. But if Tennessee surprises and passes on Ward, the dynamics could change again.

Can the Titans really surprise the NFL by not drafting Cam Ward for Travis Hunter?

With the whole Titans contingent present for Colorado’s Pro Day, their top brass had nothing but high praise for two of their biggest prospects. Their GM, Mike Borgonzi, told the reporters, “Shedeur threw the ball well, and we got to see him out there with Travis, and Travis everything you see on film. He is one of the twitchiest athletes I’ve ever seen. He’s impressive.” Just impressive? Hunter is a once-in-a-generational talent that doesn’t come around often. He can slot in at the corner to offer coverage against the receivers. And he can also stand as a wide-out to showcase his insane ball-catching capabilities. Hunter gives you that two-way edge that other prospects cannot.

But the Titans praising Hunter doesn’t mean they are giving up on who they wanted from the beginning. Todd McShay of ESPN all but confirmed the Titans’ intention on whom they want to use that No.1 overall. “So, the Titans have respectfully cancelled private workouts with Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, making it all but official that they will take Cam Ward No.1,” McShay reported yesterday.

So, it’s Ward after all, huh. Things are probably not expected to change if the Titans don’t trade their No.1 pick. As per Jeff Howe of the Athletic, the Browns and the Giants have inquired about the No.1 pick. However, as it has been since last season ended, those talks have gone nowhere. Still, if they do, then who knows, those Hunter to Music City rumors may pop up again. But for now, it’s Cam Ward reigning supreme over top prospects in this year’s NFL draft.