The intention of the draft was to make the NFL more competitive, as a few stronger teams, including the Giants, had an advantage in signing young players because they were able to offer higher salaries and an opportunity to compete for championships.
The team's first-round pick in the inaugural NFL Draft was Art Lewis, a tackle from Ohio University; he was the 9th overall selection.
In the most recent draft, held in 2024, the Giants chose LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers.
The draft order is determined based on the previous season's standings; the teams with the worst win–loss records receive the earliest picks.
Three of the team's first-round picks—George Connor, Frank Gifford, and Lawrence Taylor—have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.