So, the New York Giants grabbed Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and honestly, the reaction was a bit of a mixed bag at first. If you were following the draft boards back in April, you saw the "Big Blue" faithful split right down the middle. One side was screaming for a quarterback to finally move on from the veteran carousel of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. The other side? They saw a freak athlete from Penn State and realized you don't pass on a "missile" just because you already have a couple of decent edge rushers.
The NY Giants Abdul Carter era officially began in Green Bay, and it's already reshaping how Shane Bowen runs this defense. This isn't just another body for the rotation. We’re talking about a guy who wore the legendary number 11 at Penn State—the same number worn by Micah Parsons—and he plays with that same "rabid" intensity that makes offensive tackles lose sleep.
Why the NY Giants Abdul Carter Pick Was Smarter Than You Think
A lot of people looked at the Giants' roster and saw Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux and thought, "Wait, why are we doing this?" It’s a fair question. You've already invested massive capital and cash into the edge. But here’s the thing: in the modern NFL, you don't just need two pass rushers. You need a wave.
Basically, the Giants decided that instead of reaching for a quarterback they weren't 100% sold on at number three, they’d rather build the most terrifying defensive front in the NFC East. By pairing Abdul Carter with Dexter Lawrence, Burns, and Thibodeaux, they’ve created a "pick your poison" scenario. If you double-team Sexy Dexy inside, Carter is coming off the edge with a 4.5-second forty. If you slide protection toward Burns, Carter is twisting into the B-gap before the guard can even get his hands up.
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The Penn State Pedigree
Abdul Carter didn't just stumble into the top three. His final year in Happy Valley was nothing short of historic. He led the nation in tackles for loss with 23.5 and bagged 12 sacks. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for a reason.
What makes him weirdly perfect for New York is his history as an off-ball linebacker. Like Parsons, he started his career playing in space before moving to a full-time edge role in 2024. That versatility is a chess piece for Bowen. We've already seen him drop into coverage during his rookie season, sticking to tight ends like glue, which is something a pure "hand-in-the-dirt" defensive end just can't do.
Breaking Down the 2025 Rookie Season Stats
If you're looking at the raw box scores from this past season, you might think he started slow. He did. Rookies usually do. But look closer at the December stretch.
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- Week 14 vs. Commanders: This was his "I've arrived" moment. 7 tackles, 3 TFLs, a sack, and two forced fumbles. He single-handedly ruined a few drives.
- Week 17 vs. Eagles: He was a nightmare for Jalen Hurts, recording 0.5 sacks and a tackle for loss in a high-stakes divisional matchup.
- Season Totals: He finished 2025 with 4 sacks, 25 total tackles, and 2 forced fumbles.
Those aren't "Defensive Rookie of the Year" locks, but the pressure rate? That’s where the real story is. According to PFF metrics, Carter was top-10 among all rookies in win rate against true pass sets. He’s winning his matchups; the sacks just haven't always matched the pressure yet. That’ll come.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Size
The biggest knock on Carter coming out was his frame. At 6-foot-3 and about 250 pounds, he’s not a "huge" defensive end. Some scouts worried that longer, heavier NFL tackles would just swallow him up.
Kinda hasn't happened.
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His length—33-inch arms—is the equalizer. He uses a wicked inside spin move that has already given some veteran tackles "the blues." He plays much heavier than 250 because his leverage is so consistent. He doesn't try to out-muscle guys who outweigh him by 70 pounds; he out-runs them and out-bends them.
The Thibodeaux Factor
There was all this talk about Carter "replacing" Kayvon Thibodeaux. Joe Schoen shut that down pretty quick by exercising Kayvon’s fifth-year option right after the draft. Instead of a replacement, Carter has been a spark plug. When Thibodeaux or Burns needs a breather, there is zero drop-off. In fact, some of the Giants' most successful packages this year involved all three of them on the field at the same time, with Carter roaming as a "joker" linebacker.
Practical Insights for Giants Fans
If you're watching the Giants moving forward, keep an eye on where #51 (his rookie number) aligns.
- The "Joker" Role: Watch for him to stand up over the A-gap. It creates total confusion for the center.
- Closing Speed: He has this "closing burst" that is genuinely rare. Even if a quarterback escapes the first wave of pressure, Carter tracks them down from behind like a heat-seeking missile.
- Special Teams Value: Early in the season, he was actually contributing on special teams coverage—a rarity for a top-three pick, but it shows his "all-game intensity" isn't just a scouting report cliché.
The NY Giants Abdul Carter selection was a bet on elite talent over positional need. While the team still has questions at quarterback—even with Jaxson Dart waiting in the wings—the defense is no longer one of them. Carter is the final piece of a front four that is designed to win games by making life miserable for everyone else.
Next Steps for Following Carter's Progression:
Keep a close eye on the off-season strength program reports. If Carter can add 5–10 pounds of lean muscle without losing that 4.5 speed, he moves from a "rotational threat" to a perennial All-Pro candidate. Also, watch the Giants' defensive snap counts in 2026; if Carter's percentage jumps from the 60% range to the 80% range, it means he's officially leaped one of the established vets for a full-time starting role.