The New York Giants may have only won three games last season, but with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft they just took a massive step toward reclaiming their defensive identity.
On Thursday night in Green Bay the Giants selected Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, one of the most dominant and disruptive defenders in the 2025 Draft class. A unanimous All-American and the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Carter now joins a front loaded with first-round talent and expectations.
“It’s going to be dope,” Carter said after being drafted. “Getting to know those guys, growing together as teammates and then just wreaking havoc on the field.”
Carter will line up alongside former first-rounders Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux and recent trade acquisition Brian Burns. Forming one of the league’s most intimidating defensive lines.
It’s a throwback to the days when New York’s best teams overwhelmed opponents with relentless pass rush, from Lawrence Taylor to Michael Strahan and beyond.
General manager Joe Schoen confirmed Thursday that the team is exercising Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option, signaling full commitment to this core. With Carter added to the mix, the Giants are doubling down on their defensive philosophy.
At Penn State Carter evolved from an off-ball linebacker to a devastating edge threat, racking up 23 sacks, 39.5 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles and 13 passes defensed across three seasons. His 2024 campaign was particularly dominant, as he led the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss and logged 12 sacks.
Though a stress reaction in his foot surfaced at the combine, it didn’t sideline him in college and he’s expected to be fully ready for training camp.
Measuring 6’3″, 252 pounds, Carter might not have the ideal length for an edge rusher. But he wins with an explosive first step, freakish closing speed and the ability to bend around blockers. He’s disciplined against the run, rarely caught out of position and always plays with relentless motor and aggression.
He’s also no stranger to mentorship. A fellow Nittany Lion, Micah Parsons, helped guide Carter during his college career. A connection that now adds fuel to a budding NFC East rivalry.
While much attention will be paid to Carter’s immediate impact, the Giants didn’t neglect the quarterback position either. Later in the first round, they traded back in to select Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart at No. 25 overall, adding depth and future potential to a room currently led by veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.
Still, the night belonged to Carter and to the defense. “I just want to be dominant,” Carter said. “I’m going to put in the work, earn the trust of my teammates and let everything else fall into place.”
With their defensive front now potentially among the most feared in football the Giants might not be back in Super Bowl conversations yet, but they’re finally building like the great Giants teams of old.
