NFL Draft Order 2018: Why picking No. 2 or 3 matters to Giants

The New York Giants no longer have any mathematical shot at the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. That will go to the 0-15 Cleveland Browns. The 2-13 Giants could end up with the second overall pick, or possibly drop to No. 3 overall if they beat the Washington Redskins Sunday and the Indianapolis Colts lose to the Houston Texans.

In that case, both teams would wind up 3-13, and Strength of Schedule would be the tie-breaker. Right now, the Giants would have the edge. Still, Strength of Schedule is determined by the full 16-game schedule, and there are scenarios under which the Colts would slide into the No. 2 pick.

ESPN’s Football Power Index projects that the Giants will get the No. 2 pick, but as stated previously that is not a lock unless the Giants lose on Sunday to Washington.

Some may think it doesn’t matter, but it does. Especially if the new coach and GM decide that drafting a quarterback is the way to go. At No. 2, the Giants would get one of Josh Rosen or Sam Darnold if both declare for the draft, or anyone else on QB board they are in love with. At No. 3, all bets are off.

The Colts seem unlikely to draft a quarterback if they get the No. 2 pick, but if Andrew Luck is forced to undergo another shoulder surgery anything is possible. Even if Indianapolis doesn’t want a QB, getting the No. 2 spot would put them in position to make a deal with a quarterback-needy team, potentially shutting the Giants out if they want Rosen or Darnold.

So, yes, it matters.