In the world of professional sports, the question of whether to prioritize immediate success or future potential is often a contentious one. For the New York Giants, the 2024 season provided a case study in this dilemma. In a season where the temptation to tank for the No. 1 overall draft pick was strong, the Giants made a choice that defied conventional rebuilding logic: they chose to win. The decision, while a bold one, came at a significant cost—losing control of the coveted No. 1 draft pick, a position that could have changed the franchise’s fortunes for years to come.
For many rebuilding teams, the allure of the No. 1 overall pick is hard to resist. It guarantees a chance to select a top-tier prospect, often a quarterback, who can become the cornerstone of a franchise. With the 2024 draft class offering potential stars, including quarterbacks and elite defensive players, the Giants could have positioned themselves for a high-profile draft day. However, instead of focusing on the future at the expense of the present, the Giants made the conscious decision to prioritize wins and player development, even at the cost of draft position.
The Importance of Culture and Morale
The decision to prioritize victories over the draft lottery isn’t just a strategic one—it’s deeply rooted in the culture that head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are trying to cultivate in New York. When teams are in the midst of a rebuild, it can be easy to fall into the trap of tanking, assuming that the only way to build a competitive team in the future is by sacrificing the present. But as recent history has shown, tanking often backfires, leading to a toxic losing culture that can have long-lasting effects on a franchise.
For the Giants, the focus on winning games was about more than just a short-term morale boost. It was about sending a message to the players and the fanbase that the organization isn’t willing to settle for mediocrity, even if the path forward is uncertain. Winning games, even in a season with limited playoff hope, helps develop young talent, reinforces a winning mindset, and builds confidence among the team’s core players. For a team that had experienced struggles in previous seasons, the importance of maintaining that positive atmosphere cannot be overstated.
The Trade-Off: The No. 1 Pick vs. Winning
Of course, the downside of this decision was clear: the Giants lost the opportunity to secure the No. 1 overall pick. That could have meant a chance to draft a top-tier quarterback or another generational talent who could become the face of the franchise. With the quarterback position remaining a major question mark for the Giants, the possibility of landing a top draft prospect would have been enticing.
But the reality is that the No. 1 pick isn’t a guaranteed fix. Many teams have selected first overall in the past and found themselves still struggling years later. The Cleveland Browns, for instance, selected Baker Mayfield with the top pick in 2018, only to see him fail to live up to expectations. Similarly, the 2016 first overall pick, Jared Goff, had a rocky start before finally finding success with the Los Angeles Rams. Drafting high doesn’t always result in an instant turnaround, and the Giants may have felt that their resources were better spent elsewhere.
The Giants also recognized that their current roster needed to show growth, regardless of where they were picking in the draft. In the NFL, sustained success comes from the development of existing players, strong leadership, and building a cohesive team culture. With a head coach in Daboll who has already shown his ability to get the most out of his players, the Giants may have believed that getting a few key wins would be more beneficial than securing a higher draft spot.
The Hidden Benefits of Winning
While losing the No. 1 overall pick is a clear drawback, there are hidden benefits to the Giants’ decision. For one, they gained valuable experience for their younger players. Quarterback Daniel Jones, though not a top draft pick himself, could continue to develop as the leader of the offense, especially with the offensive line and skill positions still in need of improvement. Wide receivers like Isaiah Hodgins and tight end Darren Waller gained more time on the field, allowing them to build chemistry with Jones. Running back Saquon Barkley, even amid trade rumors, was able to demonstrate his value to the team.
Moreover, the Giants’ decision to win now can provide momentum for the next phase of their rebuild. When players experience success, even in a relatively uncompetitive season, it gives them something to build on. The Giants can now approach the 2024 offseason with the confidence that their roster is not far off from playoff contention. With a stronger culture, a more developed team, and a clear understanding of where they need to improve, they may be able to accelerate their rebuild faster than anticipated.
A Long-Term Vision
Ultimately, the Giants’ decision to sacrifice a top draft pick for the sake of winning reflects a broader strategic vision. General manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll are building for the long term. While draft picks are valuable, they are only one part of a much larger equation. If the Giants can continue to develop their young players, build depth, and make smart moves in free agency, they could soon find themselves in the playoff hunt, with or without the No. 1 pick.
In a league where success is often measured in championships, the Giants are taking a more measured approach—one that recognizes the importance of player development, team cohesion, and a winning culture. The choice to win, even if it meant losing out on a top draft pick, reflects a mindset that values progress over potential future benefits. Whether or not it pays off remains to be seen, but for the Giants, the 2024 season might prove to be a critical turning point in their long-term success.
As the NFL draft approaches and teams look to shore up their rosters for the future, the Giants’ decision to embrace the present may ultimately prove to be the right one, both for the team and its fans.
