Big Blue Just Got Bigger: Abdul Carter Brings Game-Changing Talent to the Giants
If you’re a New York Giants fan, you’ve got plenty of reasons to be hyped right now—and the biggest one is Abdul Carter.
With the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Giants didn’t just land a solid player. They snagged a generational defensive weapon, a guy who many scouts believed was the best pure talent in the entire draft class. This wasn’t just a good pick—it might’ve been the franchise-changing kind.
Now, let’s rewind a bit. Giants GM Joe Schoen had his eyes on that elusive No. 1 pick. He tried last year. No luck. He tried again this year. Still no dice. But hey, sometimes the football gods smile on you anyway. Carter—who was high on every draft board—somehow slid to No. 3, and the Giants didn’t hesitate.
“It’s easy when you watch the film of him,” said longtime Giants scout Jeremy Breit in a team interview. “The explosiveness, the power, the speed, the competitiveness—it all jumps out.”
That kind of praise isn’t thrown around lightly. This isn’t just a top-tier athlete we’re talking about. This is a guy who pops off the screen, even to seasoned NFL eyes. He doesn’t blend in with the crowd—he dominates it.
From Linebacker to Edge Destroyer
Carter began his college career at Penn State as a stand-up linebacker. Already solid. Already scary. But then came the real twist—he transitioned to an edge rusher last season, and that’s when things got insane.
Picture this: a guy with linebacker instincts, ridiculous sideline-to-sideline speed, and the ability to come screaming off the edge with the kind of bend and dip you only see from elite pass rushers. That’s Abdul Carter.
“When he went to the edge this year, he showed off everything that he has,” said Breit. “That explosiveness off the edge? It’s the best in the draft. Honestly, I’d say it’s the best in any recent draft. He’s that good.”
And he’s not just about speed. Carter brings power, intelligence, and versatility—a rare trifecta. On the inside, he can bully offensive linemen and sniff out plays like a seasoned vet. On the edge, he can win one-on-one matchups against almost anyone.
How Will the Giants Use Him?
That’s the million-dollar question.
As of now, the Giants haven’t released their official depth chart, and fans haven’t seen a full team drill with Carter on the field. So everything’s speculative—but it’s safe to assume the coaches are already dreaming up ways to unleash him.
Brian Burns is still the man at defensive end, and Kayvon Thibodeaux is locked in on the left outside. That means Carter will probably slot in at right outside linebacker, across from Thibodeaux. Imagine trying to block those two guys coming at you from opposite edges. Good luck, quarterbacks.
Whether Carter lines up with his hand in the dirt or standing tall, one thing is clear: he’s going to be a problem for opposing offenses.
What Makes Abdul Carter So Special?
Let’s break it down with a few key traits that make Carter an absolute menace:
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Elite Explosiveness: His first step off the line is violent. He can get into the backfield before a tackle even gets set.
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Versatility: He’s not limited to one role. Carter can slide inside, drop back in coverage, or scream off the edge.
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Football IQ: You can’t teach instincts, and Carter’s got ‘em. He diagnoses plays in real time and always seems to be in the right spot.
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Unmatched Motor: This dude doesn’t take plays off. Every snap is a full-speed sprint to the ball.
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Leadership and Edge: He plays with a chip on his shoulder—and it fires up everyone around him.
A Generational Prospect? Some Scouts Think So
NFL scouts are notoriously cautious with praise. So when multiple insiders say Carter could’ve been the top pick in any draft, you listen.
“I’d take him over almost any defensive player I’ve scouted in the last five years,” said one anonymous NFC scout. “You’re getting a guy who can anchor your defense for the next decade.”
That’s the kind of praise typically reserved for names like Micah Parsons, Nick Bosa, or Von Miller when they came out of college. Carter is already drawing those comparisons.
And for a Giants team that’s been desperate to find its next great defender—the kind who makes game-changing plays and headlines every week—this could be it.
The Bigger Picture for the Giants
Abdul Carter’s arrival adds yet another layer to a Giants defense that’s quietly building something special. With Thibodeaux, Burns, Dexter Lawrence, and now Carter, the front seven is looking scary.
And let’s not forget: the Giants already have Malik Nabers, their explosive wideout pick from last year’s draft. So while they might’ve missed out on the No. 1 overall pick, they’ve still managed to come away with top-tier talent two years in a row.
For Joe Schoen, this draft pick feels like a win. A big one.
What Should Fans Expect?
So what should fans expect in Carter’s rookie year?
Expect fireworks.
Expect sacks, strip-fumbles, and maybe even a couple of highlight-reel interceptions. He’s the kind of player who changes games with a single play.
He might not start Week 1 in an every-down role, but you better believe defensive coordinator Shane Bowen will find ways to get him involved early—and often.
By mid-season, don’t be surprised if Carter is getting mentioned in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation. He’s that impactful.
Final Thought: New York’s Got Their Guy
In the end, the draft is always a bit of a gamble. But when a player like Abdul Carter falls into your lap at No. 3, you sprint to the podium.
The Giants didn’t just fill a hole on the roster—they added a cornerstone for the future. A culture-setter. A game-wrecker.
So if you’re a Giants fan, start dreaming. Because Abdul Carter might just be the next big star in New York.
And the best part?
He hasn’t even played a snap yet.
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