The NFL thrives on parity, offering struggling franchises like the New York Giants a path back to relevance. Teams that endure tough seasons often benefit from premium draft picks—and those that consistently find elite talent in the first round set themselves up for future success.
Early in general manager Joe Schoen’s time with the Giants, the returns from those high picks were underwhelming. Top-10 selections Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal failed to fully meet expectations, though Thibodeaux has started to develop into a solid contributor.
Things took a positive turn in 2024 when the Giants drafted wide receiver Malik Nabers sixth overall. He immediately emerged as a dynamic playmaker, transforming the offense and becoming a player that opposing defenses had to account for on every snap. Now, New York is hoping for a similar impact from their 2025 first-round selection, edge rusher Abdul Carter.
NFL Media recently spotlighted Carter as one of the rookies most likely to make a defensive impact this season.
“Carter, widely viewed as the top defensive prospect in this year’s draft, enters the league as the frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year,” wrote Gennaro Filice. “His explosiveness off the edge is evident, and while the Giants already have Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux at outside linebacker, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen calls it ‘a really good problem to have.’ He’s not wrong—teams can never have too many quality pass rushers.”
Carter, Thibodeaux, and Burns form what could be the NFC East’s most dangerous trio of edge defenders. Add in dominant interior lineman Dexter Lawrence, and Carter is set up for success. The key will be how the Giants utilize his versatility. Though he may start ahead of Thibodeaux, Carter is also expected to see time rushing from the interior on passing downs. His background as an off-ball linebacker adds even more flexibility—he’s capable of lining up over the A-gap and giving offenses a different look.
“Carter is clearly one of the best 11 defenders on this team,” Filice added. “With talents like Burns, Thibodeaux, and Lawrence around him, he’ll often find himself in one-on-one situations—where he can really shine.”
As the No. 3 overall pick, expectations are high for Carter to deliver right away. Fortunately, New York’s defensive structure—both in the front seven and the secondary—provides a strong foundation. Though Carter is a long-term building block, his immediate goal will be to elevate a defense full of potential. Living up to the hype as a rookie will be crucial.
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