Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Schoen's Draft Plans

Release Date: April 16, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the New York Giants' NFL draft strategies, focusing particularly on General Manager Joe Schoen's plans. The discussion is rich with insights, player analyses, and strategic evaluations that provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the Giants' approach to building a competitive team for the future.

1. Giants' Draft Strategy Overview

The conversation kicks off with a keen analysis of the Giants' upcoming draft, particularly their selection at the third overall pick. The hosts explore the likelihood of the Giants selecting Abdul Carter, a standout linebacker from Penn State, and the implications of such a choice.

Don LaGreca [12:38]:

"It's a lot of options. He's a versatile player. He's young, just 21 years old and an exciting player to watch. But yeah, you can't have enough pass rushers."

Peter Rosenberg [14:41]:

"All your opponents are going to have the better quarterback this season, no matter who you. So let's give the opposing quarterback hell to bring the margin closer."

2. The Importance of Pass Rushers

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the critical role of pass rushers in the NFL, especially for teams like the Giants that might not boast the best quarterback.

Don LaGreca [15:22]:

"The second most important position in the NFL outside of quarterback is the edge pass rusher because it's affecting the same position."

Alan Hahn [15:42]:

"You need multiple. Look at the Rams. They won a Super Bowl by ensuring they had a multitude of people to get after the quarterback."

The hosts agree that having a depth of pass rushers is essential for disrupting opposing offenses and compensating for any deficiencies at the quarterback position.

3. Evaluating Travis Hunter and Quarterback Options

The Giants' quarterback situation is another focal point. The hosts discuss the prospects of drafting Travis Hunter, a versatile player who can function both as a receiver and a cornerback, making him a "unicorn" in the NFL.

Don LaGreca [35:30]:

"He's got the right mindset. He's a great kid, so I wouldn't doubt him."

Peter Rosenberg [33:05]:

"Travis Hunter is the most intriguing talent in this draft, the most intriguing because it is the two-sided talent, the Heisman, all the stuff that he is, that makes him a bit of a unicorn in the NFL."

There's speculation about whether Joe Schoen prioritizes a franchise quarterback in this draft or if he will focus solely on defensive enhancements like Abdul Carter. The discussion also touches upon the Giants' recent decisions to sign veteran players like Daniel Jones and how that affects their draft strategy.

Don LaGreca [26:09]:

"If there's not one or you don't perceive there to be one, or it's not available when you pick, I mean, that's out of your control."

4. Joe Schoen's Strategic Moves and Motivations

The hosts analyze General Manager Joe Schoen's potential motivations, debating whether his draft strategies are driven by a genuine effort to build a competitive team or by personal job security concerns.

Don LaGreca [22:19]:

"He's going to skew on the side of saving his job, but part of saving his resume is making sure that when he's gone, there's some pride in the fact that somebody he drafted or left the Giants organization in a good place."

Alan Hahn [21:06]:

"Words have to be said."

The conversation suggests that Schoen is balancing immediate team needs with long-term organizational health, aiming to lay a solid foundation regardless of potential future employment outcomes.

5. Draft Day Scenarios and Potential Outcomes

The trio explores various draft day scenarios, including potential trades and the impact of other teams' decisions on the Giants' picks. They consider the possibility of the Giants trading down to secure both Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter, ensuring they strengthen key positions without compromising future draft capital.

Peter Rosenberg [19:09]:

"But it still would have you walk away. Everybody's been afraid of Joe Schoen doing something aggressive to protect his job, to save his job, and it could end up hurting the Giants long term. That's what everybody's afraid of."

Don LaGreca [31:43]:

"He knows Cleveland can't take both [Carter and Hunter]. One of them is going to be there."

6. Conclusion and Takeaways

The episode concludes with the hosts summarizing their key points about the Giants' draft strategy. They emphasize the importance of depth in pass rushers, the intriguing prospects of players like Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter, and the delicate balance Joe Schoen must maintain between immediate team needs and long-term organizational success.

Don LaGreca [38:24]:

"I think that now that we're getting close, he's very. He might have kicked the tires on a possible trade down or whatever, but he knows Cleveland can't take both Carter or Hunter."

Peter Rosenberg [39:48]:

"Barry put it out there. We see him as a receiver first, primarily first."

Listeners are left with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in the Giants' draft plans, the strategic importance of key positions, and the potential impact of Joe Schoen's decisions on the team's future.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don LaGreca [12:38]: "He's a versatile player. He's young, just 21 years old and an exciting player to watch."

• Peter Rosenberg [14:41]: "Let's give the opposing quarterback hell to bring the margin closer."

• Don LaGreca [15:22]: "The second most important position in the NFL outside of quarterback is the edge pass rusher."

• Peter Rosenberg [33:05]: "Travis Hunter is the most intriguing talent in this draft..."

• Don LaGreca [22:19]: "He's going to skew on the side of saving his job..."

• Don LaGreca [31:43]: "He knows Cleveland can't take both [Carter and Hunter]."

• Peter Rosenberg [19:09]: "It could end up hurting the Giants long term."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a nuanced exploration of the New York Giants' draft strategies, highlighting the interplay between player selections, team needs, and management decisions. Whether you're a die-hard Giants fan or a general NFL enthusiast, the insights shared by Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide valuable perspectives on what to expect in the upcoming draft and how it could shape the Giants' trajectory in the seasons to come.

For more in-depth analysis and engaging discussions, tune into the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast on 880 ESPN and the ESPN New York app.