The 2025 NFL Draft kicked off with a bang in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the New York Giants made waves with their first-round selections, landing Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3 and trading back into the round to snag Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25. For a franchise desperate to rebound from a dismal 3-14 season, GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll swung for the fences—but did they hit a home run or strike out? Let’s break down and grade the Giants’ bold moves from Round 1.
Pick No. 3: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Grade: A
The Giants didn’t flinch at No. 3, selecting Abdul Carter, a relentless pass-rushing phenom who’s drawn comparisons to Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons. Carter, a unanimous first-team All-American and the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year, racked up 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss in his first season as a full-time edge rusher in 2024. His explosive athleticism, twitchy first step, and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Even more impressive? He dominated through a shoulder injury during the College Football Playoff, showcasing the toughness NFL coaches crave.
Carter joins an already stacked Giants defensive front featuring Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. This pick screams “build the trenches,” a philosophy that echoes the Giants’ glory days of ferocious pass rushes. With Carter’s versatility—he played linebacker his first two years at Penn State—he’s a lock to make an immediate impact, whether as a starter or a rotational menace. Some might argue the Giants could’ve targeted a quarterback here, but with Cam Ward already off the board and Shedeur Sanders’ stock sliding, grabbing the draft’s premier defensive talent was a no-brainer. This is a cornerstone pick that could define the Giants’ defense for years.
Pick No. 25: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss (via trade with Houston)
Grade: C+
In a move that raised eyebrows across the NFL, the Giants traded picks No. 34, No. 99, and a 2026 third-rounder to the Houston Texans to leap back into the first round and draft Jaxson Dart at No. 25. After passing on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, who shockingly went undrafted in Round 1, Schoen and Daboll bet on Dart as their quarterback of the future. But was this a savvy steal or a desperate reach?
Dart’s college tape is a mixed bag. The three-year starter at Ole Miss thrived in Lane Kiffin’s RPO-heavy, play-action scheme, leading the SEC in completion percentage (69.3%) and passing yards (4,279) in 2024. Over his final two seasons, he tossed 52 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions, showcasing a live arm and dual-threat ability with 1,500 career rushing yards. His 94th-percentile PFF passing grade on early downs and downfield accuracy scream starter potential. Yet, critics point to his reliance on a simplistic system that often schemed his first read open, raising questions about his ability to navigate complex NFL progressions or play from under center.
The Giants’ quarterback room, bolstered by veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, gives Dart time to develop without being thrust into the fire as a rookie. Daboll’s spread-offense expertise should suit Dart’s skill set, and pairing him with superstar wideout Malik Nabers could unlock big plays. However, the trade cost was steep—sacrificing a high second-round pick and additional assets in a draft where the Giants have pressing needs at offensive line, defensive line, and running back. Social media buzz on X reflects the polarized fanbase, with some praising the upside of Dart’s arm talent and others slamming the pick as a panic move by a front office on the hot seat.
The Big Picture
The Giants’ first-round strategy was a high-risk, high-reward balancing act. Carter is a slam-dunk selection, a blue-chip talent who instantly elevates a defense that could rival the NFL’s elite. His A grade reflects his potential to be a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate and a long-term cornerstone. Dart, however, is a tougher sell. The C+ grade accounts for his tantalizing upside but docks points for the costly trade and questions about his readiness. If Dart flops, comparisons to Daniel Jones’ struggles will haunt Schoen and Daboll, who are fighting to keep their jobs after a brutal 2024.
Fan sentiment on X captures the divide: one user called it a “solid A draft” for securing Carter and a potential franchise QB, while another labeled Dart “the worst pick of the first round” and predicted firings. The truth likely lies in between. The Giants addressed two critical needs—pass rush and quarterback—without reaching for a signal-caller at No. 3. With only one Day 2 pick remaining (No. 65), they’ll need to nail their later selections to fill roster holes. For now, Giants fans can dream of Carter terrorizing quarterbacks and Dart emerging as the heir apparent—if he can rise above the doubters.
What do you think of the Giants’ draft haul? Hit up X and join the debate—love it or hate it, this is a draft night New York won’t soon forget.
