The New York Giants selected Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. The move could create a seismic shift in their identity and culture, something this franchise has needed for many years now.
Carter is a rare talent who can play all over the defensive front seven. At Happy Valley, he played both outside and inside linebacker, plus was used as an internal rusher along the defensive line.
His addition to an already stacked pass rush and front seven could equate to victories in the standings.
From Dan Duggan of The Athletic:
This pass rush could be a game-changer. The Giants have lacked an identity during the first three years of the Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll era. There has been nothing the team could rely on to give it an advantage, and the result has been a combined nine wins over the past two seasons. That may have changed this offseason. The defense was upgraded by the free-agent signings of cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland. But the selection of outside linebacker Abdul Carter with the No. 3 pick in the draft could be a game-changer. Teaming Carter with Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux should give the Giants a pass rush capable of dominating games.
The pads have not yet come on, but Carter is already showing in drills how special he can be and what he can add to the Giants this season and beyond.
“I think when you look at his early tape at Penn State, you can see him playing from stacked alignment,” Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown said recently. “When you have a premium athlete like Abdul, he can rush from a stacked linebacker position, rush over a guard. Same thing with Burns, it gives you the versatility to flip-flop. And with KT, to create the best matchup on a week-to-week basis.”
It didn’t take long for the offensive line to see the effect Carter could have on opponents.
“I think he’s going to be a really good player. It’s been fun playing against him,” said right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor last week. “He’s an explosive kid and I think that it’s really good to have him on this team. I can’t really compare him to anyone because he’s his own player, but him, (outside linebacker Brian) Burns, Tibs (outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux), they’re going to be a hell of a trio.”
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: NFL analyst: New York Giants finally have an identity after adding Abdul Carter
Reporting by John Fennelly, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
