How Giants Became Patriots’ Best Friend (Again) In NFL Draft Race

The New England Patriots may be ready to send the New York Giants a thank you note for the second consecutive season.

The two lowly teams played what ended up being a rather consequential game at MetLife Stadium after Thanksgiving in 2023. In an ugly game, New England rookie Chad Ryland missed a field goal try on the game’s final play. The Giants won the game, but the Patriots continued a path to the No. 3 overall pick.

That pick became franchise quarterback Drake Maye, who the Giants checked in on with the Patriots before the draft after falling in the order due to their victory.

Fast forward a season, and a New York victory just gave the Patriots favorable position once again. New England suffered a blowout loss Saturday afternoon to the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium. The Giants followed Sunday afternoon with a surprise 45-33 win over the Indianapolis Colts, who desperately needed that game in the AFC playoff race.

The Giants previously held control of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft order. New York dropped out of that spot with Sunday’s win and set the Patriots up with a path to that spot if they lose the regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills.

The Giants could be even further helpful to the Patriots if head coach Brian Daboll departs after the season and could be a wise candidate if New England looks to move on from Alex Van Pelt as offensive coordinator.

Years after the Giants dashed New England’s Super Bowl dreams twice in four seasons, the Patriots could be very thankful for New York for a second straight draft cycle.