The New York Giants’ recent experiences in the NFL Draft have come with a series of excruciatingly close calls.
In 2018, New York took Saquon Barkley in a quarterback class that has produced two MVP candidates later in Round 1. In 2023, Tommy DeVito and Wink Martindale worked together to knock the Giants’ tank off track. They earned the sixth pick and took star receiver Malik Nabers. That’s undoubtedly a win, but losing the right to take Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye is another gut punch.
This past season, New York was so close to the No. 1 pick. Beating the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17 ultimately became too much of an obstacle to overcome, destining the Giants to the No. 3 pick in a two-quarterback class, once again threatening the team’s offensive plans.
New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (2) is sacked by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11)
Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
New York is familiar with draft-night tragedies. On Thursday, Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons teased Giants fans with a brutal draft story of his own – one that shapes the power dynamics in the NFC East.
“They lied to me,” Parsons told CBS Sports NFL analyst Bryant McFadden. “People don’t know this. They told me if I fell to 11 that they was going to pick me. … Cause when the Cowboys traded back, I was like ‘Oh shoot, I’m going to New York.'”
The Giants may have promised to pick Parsons. But when the Chicago Bears came calling offering the 20th pick and a 2022 first-round selection, Parsons became an afterthought.
New York traded down, Dallas selected Parsons, and the rest was history. In a fit of karmic retribution, general manager Dave Gettleman took receiver Kadarius Toney, an infamous bust who quickly ran out of time in East Rutherford.
Parsons has since played eight games against the Giants, generating 4.5 sacks and 14 tackles. He’s yet to lose against the team that almost drafted him.
“That’s why I punish the Giants every time.”
Parsons continued his dominant march toward a record-setting extension in 2024, posting 12 sacks in just 13 games. In each of the first four seasons of his career, he’s logged double-digit sacks and a Pro Bowl nomination.
Needless to say, Parsons will have two more opportunities to wreak havoc on New York in 2025. … and Cowboys Nation is quite pleased about that.
