Giants Go All-In on Defense, Snag Abdul Carter with Third Pick in 2025 NFL Draft

The New York Giants just made a serious power move in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the third overall pick.

After months of swirling speculation about whether the Giants would take a shot at a new quarterback, they decided to double down on defense instead. Last year it was wide receiver Malik Nabers at number six, and this year, with another high pick after a disappointing season, New York is betting on Carter’s game-changing potential.

Carter arrives with a highlight reel that practically needs its own stadium. He was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, made the Bednarik Award finalist list, and earned first-team All-American honors. His stats speak for themselves: leading the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss, notching 12 sacks over 16 games, and racking up 68 tackles along with four passes defended. Apparently, Carter has a sixth sense for finding quarterbacks—let’s hope he packed it for the Big Apple.

There’s plenty of buzz comparing Carter to Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys, and not just because they wore the same number at Penn State. Carter’s explosiveness off the snap and ability to disrupt plays could be the secret sauce the Giants have been craving. If he can deliver even half of Parsons’ impact, Giants fans might finally get their happy ending.

One cloud on the horizon: Carter dealt with a stress reaction in his foot last season, but recent medical checks show he’s on the mend and won’t need surgery. So, the Giants’ gamble comes with at least a positive prognosis.

Carter joins a defense already stacked with talent. He’ll be lining up alongside edge rusher Brian Burns, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, and Kayvon Thibodeaux—the latter also a recent first-round pick. Needless to say, quarterbacks in the NFC East might start sleeping with the lights on.

Here’s a fun twist: Carter grew up in Philadelphia as a die-hard Eagles fan. Now, he’s suiting up to face his childhood heroes twice a year, with the Eagles fresh off a Super Bowl win over the Chiefs. Nothing like a little homecoming drama to spice up those divisional matchups.

Despite this defensive haul, the rumor mill hasn’t quieted down. The Giants’ front office, led by GM Joe Schoen, is still reportedly eyeing a future franchise quarterback—even after signing veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. So don’t count out another first-round splash just yet.