Among the New York Giants’ top draft targets, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter appears to be the trickiest fit, yet he’s still considered the favorite to be taken at No. 3 overall. Drafting Carter would give the Giants an abundance of talent on the defensive front.
On the surface, giving Carter snaps over 2022 first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux seems like less of a boost than replacing Deonte Banks or wideouts Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson with a versatile star like Travis Hunter. However, by 2026, Thibodeaux could be gone if the team declines his fifth-year option, making Carter both a strategic long-term investment and a luxury pick in the short term.
Still, GM Joe Schoen and the coaching staff would need to come up with a plan to make the most of Carter’s rookie season, using him as a weapon on an already strong defensive line. With Thibodeaux, Brian Burns, and Dexter Lawrence in the mix, Carter shouldn’t be overwhelmed by double teams—but earning significant playing time could be a challenge.
At his pre-draft press conference, Schoen hinted at the reasoning behind potentially drafting Carter: “I don’t think so. Everyone saw the Super Bowl—Philly rushed four all game. That’s one way to do it,” Schoen said.
Abdul Carter
He noted Carter’s versatility, having played off-ball linebacker for two years before excelling as an edge rusher in just one season. “With Kayvon, Burns, and Dex inside, it gives us options. He’s only 21, super talented, and exciting to watch. You can never have too many pass rushers.”
Schoen’s logic holds—building a steady stream of pass-rushing talent can be more beneficial than problematic. Pairing Carter with Burns helps ensure the defensive line remains a strength in the future. The most exciting scenario could involve all three edge rushers on the field together, with one shifting inside—a setup perfect for passing downs. That trio would thrive off Lawrence’s presence and each other’s skill, creating a dynamic, synergized pass rush.
Schoen summed it up: “Yeah, we’d find a way. Same with Travis Hunter—if you’ve got talented players, you figure out how to get them on the field and make the most of it.”
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