When the New York Giants selected Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, they knew they were getting a generational talent, one that doesn’t come along very often.
It was a consolation pick for general manager Joe Schoen, who once again tried to trade up for the No. 1 pick and fell short. Last year, Schoen attempted to trade to the top of the order but was rebuffed. He ended up taking wide receiver Malik Nabers with the No. 6 overall pick.
Carter was high on every team’s draft board, and the Giants took what the football gods gave them when he fell to them at No. 3. Many believe he is the best player in this draft class, which has been labeled for his toughness. But one Giants scout believes Carter would have been at the top of any recent draft class.
It’s easy when you watch the film of him,” said veteran scout Jeremy Breit, via Giants.com. “The explosiveness, the power, the speed, the competitiveness, it all jumps out. A guy that can just be special at wherever he’s on the field. He jumps off the tape.”
Carter began his career as a stand-up linebacker for the Nittany Lions before being transitioned into an edge rusher last season. Breit believes he can do both in the NFL
How the Giants use Carter remains to be seen. They haven’t released their depth chart as of yet, nor have we seen the full team line up in an 11-on-11 drill. It’s unlikely that he will displace Brian Burns as a defensive end. He will likely start as the right outside linebacker across from Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has played the left side.
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