Giants Face Crucial Draft Decision: Quarterback of the Future or Defensive Firepower?
As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, the New York Giants find themselves at a familiar crossroads — one that could reshape the franchise’s direction. Holding the No. 3 overall pick, the Giants have a major decision to make: draft Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, potentially their quarterback of the future, or reinforce their defensive identity by selecting Penn State pass-rushing standout Abdul Carter, especially if two-way star Travis Hunter is off the board.
Opting for Carter would pair him with Kayvon Thibodeaux, creating one of the youngest and most dynamic edge duos in the NFL. But doing so would also cast doubt on Thibodeaux’s long-term future in New York, as the former No. 5 overall pick heads into a critical season.
Thibodeaux’s Uneven Production Raises Questions
Now 24, Thibodeaux hasn’t quite delivered on his top-five draft status. He played a career-low 593 snaps last season, recording just 38 pressures and six sacks. Even more troubling was a 27.6% missed tackle rate, an alarming figure for an edge rusher expected to anchor the front seven.
That said, the talent is still there. Thibodeaux’s burst off the line remains a weapon, and he’s flashed game-changing potential. Some of his decline can be traced to the transition away from former defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. While new DC Shane Bowen didn’t immediately fix things, a second year in his system could offer the stability Thibodeaux needs to regain form.
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Fifth-Year Option Looms Over Giants’ 2022 Draft Class
Both Thibodeaux and fellow 2022 top-10 pick Evan Neal have underwhelmed so far — and the Giants are widely expected to decline Neal’s fifth-year option. Declining Thibodeaux’s as well would reflect poorly on the front office’s scouting decisions just three years removed.
That’s what makes the Thibodeaux decision so intriguing. While inconsistent, his upside is still evident, and the $14.75 million projected cost of his fifth-year option is relatively modest for a starting-caliber edge rusher. Though he didn’t hit the Pro Bowl incentive to raise that number, his snap count puts him in the second-tier salary bracket — making him decent value if the Giants believe he can bounce back.
The Giants are clearly weighing two very different futures: one built around a franchise quarterback, and another rooted in a dominant, young pass rush. Either way, the decision could shape the next chapter of Big Blue football.
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