Usually, you can’t make it deep into the playoff race and have a high draft pick at the same time. But the New York Giants are in a position where they might break that rule. The team is still technically in the running for the playoffs as of now. If Washington loses, the game between the Giants and Cowboys will decide the NFC East. The winner of the NFC East will make it into the playoffs despite their losing record.
But the Giants, despite being in the hunt, still have the high draft position that comes with being a losing record team. That draft position right now gives them the eighth overall pick. That draft position is low enough that they would be out of the Trevor Lawrence lottery, but high enough that they can definitely come away with an instant impact player if they draft right.
This season, the need for a real number one receiver has been pointed out many times. Will they get one in the form of Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith? Maybe. Either of those players could be off the board by the time the Giants draft. Maybe they’ll draft Patrick Surtain II to play opposite of James Bradberry?
The Giants could also win on Sunday, which would push them further down in the draft order. If that win puts them into the playoffs, though, almost no one would complain about it. Whether the Giants are a one and done playoff team or not this year, getting in for the first time in years after losing the team’s best player would be a huge accomplishment to begin the Joe Judge era with.
And if they lose, their draft position is something of a consolation. All thanks to the NFC East as a whole under-performing this season and making it possible for the Giants to contend for the playoffs while having a losing record and a high draft position.