With free agency in the rearview mirror, all eyes turned to Green Bay for the 2025 NFL Draft. Holding the third overall pick, the New York Giants faced a franchise-defining decision: select the best player available or reach for a quarterback of the future. General manager Joe Schoen chose wisely—doing what many now view as the best move of the entire draft.
With Cam Ward off the board to the Titans at No. 1, the quarterback class saw a significant drop-off. The remaining top names—Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart—were talented, but not top-three material. Instead of forcing the issue, Schoen made the smart, measured call: he selected Abdul Carter, a dominant edge rusher from Penn State.
Photo Cred: ABC
Carter, an All-American who transitioned from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher, posted 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss last season. His elite explosiveness and versatility made him one of the most disruptive defenders in college football. The Giants landed a cornerstone for their defense, a player with All-Pro potential who perfectly complements Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns up front.
But Schoen wasn’t done. In a bold and calculated move, the Giants traded their 34th and 99th picks to the Texans for the 25th overall selection—where they grabbed Jaxson Dart, the quarterback from Ole Miss. Dart, known for his arm strength, mobility, and poise under pressure, rose up draft boards after a strong combine and pre-draft process. Like franchise icon Eli Manning, he comes from Ole Miss and brings a fearless edge to his game. While not rushed into starting immediately, Dart is the clear quarterback of the future for Big Blue.
With their third-round pick, the Giants added Darius Alexander, a disruptive defensive tackle from Toledo. Though Dexter Lawrence anchors the middle of the defensive line, depth became a concern after his injury last season. Alexander brings both run-stuffing and pass-rushing prowess, grading out at 90.3 against the run and 78.0 as a pass rusher. He’ll immediately compete for rotational snaps, likely overtaking Rakeem Nunez-Roches.
In the fourth round, New York may have landed its biggest steal in Cam Skattebo, the do-it-all back from Arizona State. Skattebo racked up over 1,500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in college and has the power, vision, and hands to be a three-down threat. He’s a perfect complement to last year’s rookie breakout Tyrone Tracy, creating a dynamic one-two punch in the backfield.
Photo Cred: ESPN
The value continued to roll in on Day 3. In the fifth round, the Giants selected Marcus Mbow, an offensive tackle from Purdue who many projected to go a round earlier. Mbow brings depth and versatility to an offensive line that desperately needed both. He reunites with former Purdue teammate Tracy and gives the team flexibility behind a starting unit that’s struggled with health and consistency.
In the seventh round, the Giants added Thomas Fidone II, a tight end from Nebraska. While Daniel Bellinger and Theo Johnson provide solid blocking, the tight end room has lacked a true receiving threat. Fidone fills that void, giving Russell Wilson—or eventually Dart—another weapon in the passing game.
The final pick of the draft was Korie Black, a cornerback who brings much-needed depth to the secondary. The Giants were thin at the position last season, and Black’s ball skills and experience give him a solid chance to earn a roster spot and contribute, especially on special teams or in nickel packages.
From top to bottom, the Giants approached the draft with vision and precision. They landed a generational pass rusher, secured their quarterback of the future without overpaying, added depth to key areas, and found late-round steals who could play immediate roles. Now, the pressure shifts to head coach Brian Daboll and his staff to bring this talented group together. With a retooled offense, a ferocious defense, and a clear identity, the Giants are poised to take a major leap in 2025. The pieces are in place. The foundation is laid. The time to compete is now.
