Barring a dramatic but unlikely trade, the Green Bay Packers won't announce their first-round selection until several hours into the opening night. They will still have an eye on the other team's decisions.
The New York Giants, selecting No. 3 overall, could command the Packers' attention, not just because of who they draft, but what it means.
Cam Ward and Travis Hunter are the most likely prospects to come off the board at Nos. 1 and 2. Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter shouldn't have to wait much longer, with many believing he will join Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns in New York.
Or will he?
This is where it gets interesting for the Packers, who desperately need pass-rush reinforcements. They have a close-to-zero shot of landing Carter, but they should beg the Giants to select him at No. 3.
Giants selecting Abdul Carter could ignite Packers' Kayvon Thibodeaux trade dreams
New York could form the league's scariest pass rush — on paper, at least. The reality is a little different. Can the Giants feature Carter, Thibodeaux, and Burns in the same defense?
Jeff Howe of The Athletic raised a fascinating point in his latest mock draft, as he believes drafting Carter could have an impact on Thibodeaux's future.
"This decision could have a ripple effect, as the Giants have already invested heavily on pass rushers with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux," writes Howe. "The Giants have to determine soon whether they'll exercise his fifth-year option. One executive estimated the Giants could move Thibodeaux for a third-round pick if he's not in their long-term plans."
A third-round pick for Thibodeaux? Where do we sign up?
Thibodeaux is a rising star, having made 21 sacks in his first three seasons, including 11.5 in 2023. He missed five games due to injury last term, resulting in 5.5 sacks in 12 contests.
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The former fifth-overall pick is only 24 years old and still has the All-Pro potential that made him an early selection just three years ago. The Giants shouldn't even entertain parting ways, but if they really consider letting him go for a third-rounder, the Packers need to pick up the phone and not hang up until a deal is done.
It all starts with the Giants drafting Carter at No. 3.
They would likely say the plan is to feature all three pass-rushers, but the reality could soon set in. Based on Over The Cap's projections, picking up Thibodeaux's fifth-year option would effectively give him a one-year, $14.75 million, fully guaranteed extension in 2027. The Giants would then need to hand him a massive new contract.
Is that possible after investing in Carter and Burns?
For the Packers to have any hope of Thibodeaux hitting the trade block, the Giants must first land a pass-rusher talented enough to make him expendable. Carter is that player, and the Packers' path to landing a star edge defender could become clearer if the Giants select the Penn State product at No. 3.