Giants GM Joe Schoen is feeling the pressure as the team approaches the 2026 NFL Draft, especially following the introduction of head coach John Harbaugh. The decisions made now will significantly impact the franchise's future.
How Giants GM Joe Schoen embraces the weight of 2026 NFL Draft
EAST RUTHERFORD - There were nerves for Joe Schoen on that day the New York Giants introduced John Harbaugh as their head coach. We all felt it three months ago.
Now consider everything that Harbaugh represents for this franchise going forward, where things are as the offseason turns toward the 2026 NFL Draft and what the future holds beyond that, the only question we should have been asking back then continues to warrant the obvious response:
How could there not be?
Yet this was never about power, not in the sense of the Giants taking power away from Schoen as general manager and giving it to Harbaugh as head coach.
In simpler terms, it's entirely about restoring the pride in a franchise that, no matter how much they talk it, those who truly feel the emotion and gravity of such a promise isn't for everybody to appreciate.
Harbaugh has offered nothing but praise for Schoen as the Giants have progressed through free agency and pre-draft evaluation together. That pairing now faces the pressure of NFL Draft, and figuring out how to maximize options to strengthen this roster, especially in key areas such as the interior offensive and defensive lines.
Schoen met with reporters Tuesday for the Giants' annual pre-draft news conference and, as is typical with pre-draft news conferences, the true value of what was said cast more detail and perspective about the bigger picture than offering inside intel of what's to come when the team is on the clock.
And in Harbaugh, Schoen now has a Super Bowl champion and possible Hall of Famer with whom he can team and strive for that standard the Giants have failed to meet for far too long now.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart points after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers.
New York Giants president John Mara general manager Joe Schoen, Jaxson Dart, and head coach Brian Daboll pose for photos prior to the start of the press conference to introduce the Giants first round draft picks in East Rutherford on April 25.
Jaxson Dart
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (QB03) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images
Jan 29, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) throws the ball during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) throws the ball on the run during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Oct 12, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) walks on the field against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants first round draft picks, Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart interact after posing for photos prior to the start of the press conference. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart meets reporters in East Rutherford, NJ.
Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants first round draft pick, Jaxson Dart, takes questions from the media during his introduction press conference.
Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants first round draft picks, Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart pose for photos prior to the start of the press conference. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
Jaxson Dart, QB, NY Giants
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Aug 16, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) following the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 14: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants speaks with his parents during pregame warm ups prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks on during warmups before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart talks at his locker following Friday's practice.
Sep 7, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) enters the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants looks on prior to a game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sept. 28, 2025.
Sep 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks on before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium, Sep 28, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) and running back Cam Skattebo, right, talk before the game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Nov. 16, 2025.
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart looks on before opening kick off against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 21: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants and Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots talk after the second half of a NFL Preseason 2025 game between New England Patriots and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Nov 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws pass against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Oct 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles of the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) gets ready for the offense to take the field during a week 9 game between New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 09: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants walks off the field after an injury during the fourth quarter in the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants hands off to Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half in the game during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 28, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Week 10: New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart throws a pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Giants wore throwback uniforms from the team's look during the 1980s and '90s in the 24-20 loss.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 09: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants celebrates a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter in the game at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 09: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter in the game at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks to throw a pass during a week 9 game between New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks on after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) enters the field prior to the first quarter against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks for an open teammate, Sunday, December 14, 2025.
Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) talks with interim head coach Mike Kafka during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart points after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart points after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants president John Mara general manager Joe Schoen, Jaxson Dart, and head coach Brian Daboll pose for photos prior to the start of the press conference to introduce the Giants first round draft picks in East Rutherford on April 25.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (QB03) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jan 29, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) throws the ball during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) throws the ball on the run during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Oct 12, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) walks on the field against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants first round draft picks, Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart interact after posing for photos prior to the start of the press conference. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart meets reporters in East Rutherford, NJ.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants first round draft pick, Jaxson Dart, takes questions from the media during his introduction press conference.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants first round draft picks, Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart pose for photos prior to the start of the press conference. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Jaxson Dart, QB, NY Giants
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Aug 16, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) following the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 14: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants speaks with his parents during pregame warm ups prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks on during warmups before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart talks at his locker following Friday's practice.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Sep 7, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) enters the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants looks on prior to a game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
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New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sept. 28, 2025.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Sep 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks on before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium, Sep 28, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) and running back Cam Skattebo, right, talk before the game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Nov. 16, 2025.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart looks on before opening kick off against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 21: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants and Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots talk after the second half of a NFL Preseason 2025 game between New England Patriots and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Nov 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws pass against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Oct 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles of the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) gets ready for the offense to take the field during a week 9 game between New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 09: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants walks off the field after an injury during the fourth quarter in the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants hands off to Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half in the game during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 28, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Week 10: New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart throws a pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Giants wore throwback uniforms from the team's look during the 1980s and '90s in the 24-20 loss.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 09: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants celebrates a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter in the game at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 09: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter in the game at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks to throw a pass during a week 9 game between New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks on after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) enters the field prior to the first quarter against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks for an open teammate, Sunday, December 14, 2025.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple
Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) talks with interim head coach Mike Kafka during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Harbaugh's presence and the hiring of Dawn Aponte as a front office executive that reports directly to the head coach does not make Schoen irrelevant, relegating him to a role as a glorified scout, which has been a misguided perception for some.
Because of all this, Schoen might just become a much more effective GM in the aftermath, and with that, we all may eventually look back at the arrival of Harbaugh as the turning point of his career in the NFL.
"I ask a lot of questions [about] how he does things, how they did it in Baltimore," Schoen said. "So, yeah, some days I just pinch myself; I'm like, 'Man, John Harbaugh's our head coach.' This guy's won a ton of games. He's a really good head coach and just listening to him talk and how he thinks, and the leadership that he provides to the building, it's been really cool. It's been a cool experience."
Embracing that shared vision for the Giants is the priority for this team to become the one both believe it can be. Because truth be told, Schoen isn't fighting to save his job and stay with the Giants.
If anything, he is gaining priceless intel on a daily basis with great appreciation for how to do the job better in tandem with Harbaugh, not at his beck and call despite the perception created by some fans and others in the media.
The 46-year-old Schoen has not lost sight of the responsibility he owns in this situation, and from different angles. He is entering the final year of his contract, and the expectation has been that Schoen will receive an extension this spring following the draft, a source familiar with the situation told NorthJersey.com and The Record.
“I thought Joe was great, his group was great," Harbaugh said. “Brandon [Brown, Giants assistant GM] was amazing, Dawn was great. We’ve just got a really working group of people in there, and I thought we operated at a really high level.’’
The Giants are hardly a perfect team with seven wins total over the past two years, and there are holes that must be addressed. Harbaugh knows by now what a winning roster looks like, so he also knows what he wants his Giants roster to look like.
Which is why some of the moves Big Blue has made don't necessarily match up with outside expectations for what this franchise has done on paper in recent years.
How much all of this means to Schoen has been lost with all the speculation about his future.
Not just from the moment Harbaugh agreed to join the Giants, but the opportunity for a GM to work with Harbaugh, whose 193 career wins - 180 in the regular season - are more than Bill Parcells, Tom Coughlin, Tony Dungy, Bill Cowher and Mike Holmgren.
Schoen knows how much this meant not just to him, but to everybody in the franchise.
Ask players and coaches about the anxiety of the moment when it comes to playing big games.
This was that for Schoen - the enormity of it all, not the enormity of the job.
Schoen ran point on the coaching search that ended with the Giants hitting a home run by bringing Harbaugh aboard judging by the social media reaction and the many false predictions that, once Harbaugh entered the building, he would be escorting the GM out.
Harbaugh and Giants brass had to get on the same page and getting to know each other - and there was no time to waste.
"You kind of wonder - it’s new, that’s probably the biggest thing," Harbaugh said. "It’s new for the first time, but I wasn’t nervous about it at all because we’ve been interacting for a couple of months and planning and talking. I saw the operation. I saw the way they prepared. I thought the preparation was at a really, really high level, very detailed, and they were ready. They knew the players, and they knew the values."
And here's the bottom line for the Giants: Schoen spent 20 minutes or so Tuesday not only telling everyone what they wanted to hear, but what he wanted to share about prospects and philosophy.
This isn't the time to make sweeping statements about the Giants' plans. The key to unlocking the draft puzzle has more to do with the intel gleaned away from the cameras over the past two months.
For the Giants, what matters more than anything is how Schoen and Harbaugh come together under the pressure and scrutiny of their first draft together. And make no mistake: Schoen is well aware that he shoulders that burden much more in the moment than his new head coach.
"It's been a lot of fun," Schoen said of working with Harbaugh. "We've spent a lot of time together. We've gone through not just first rounders, second rounders - he's passionate about it. He knows about fourth and fifth rounders. He's sent me text messages about undrafted free agents where he saw an article or an agent might have texted him. He's really passionate about the draft, been really fun watching film with him ... when we get to next Thursday, we'll all be on the same page."
If that happens, Schoen gets the chance to prove once more why he deserved to stay.
Because if and when the standard set by Harbaugh is met, nothing else matters.
What is the significance of the 2026 NFL Draft for the New York Giants?
The 2026 NFL Draft is crucial for the New York Giants as it will shape the team's future direction and success under new head coach John Harbaugh.
Who is the head coach of the New York Giants and how does he impact the 2026 NFL Draft?
John Harbaugh is the head coach of the New York Giants, and his leadership will influence the team's strategy and decisions during the 2026 NFL Draft.
What challenges is Joe Schoen facing as the Giants prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft?
Joe Schoen is facing significant pressure and nerves as he navigates the complexities of the 2026 NFL Draft, particularly with the expectations surrounding the new coaching staff.
How does the introduction of John Harbaugh affect the Giants' offseason strategy?
The introduction of John Harbaugh impacts the Giants' offseason strategy by shifting focus towards building a competitive roster in preparation for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
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