The New York Giants have been struggling in recent years, holding the dubious title of the worst record in the NFL since 2017. This unfortunate trend has meant they’ve become all too familiar with early draft selections—this upcoming draft marks the sixth time in the last eight years that their original first-round pick is a top-six selection. So, how did the Giants fare on draft weekend this year? Let’s break down their picks and see how they measure up.
Round 1, Pick 3: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Giants made a strategic move with their third overall pick by selecting Abdul Carter, one of the top two prospects in this year’s draft. Opting for an elite edge rusher rather than reaching for a quarterback who might not warrant that high of a pick shows wisdom and foresight.
Carter’s journey at Penn State began with him playing off-ball linebacker for his first two seasons before transitioning to the edge in 2024. His performance was nothing short of stellar—68 tackles, leading the FBS with 24 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, and four batted passes. His versatility is a significant asset, allowing him to drop into coverage when needed.
While the Giants have already invested heavily in their edge positions with players like Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns, Carter’s addition will provide them with more options. The challenge now is how to effectively utilize all three players, especially on non-obvious passing downs. It’s a puzzle that could see some interesting shifts in player roles, including the potential for Thibodeaux to be traded for future assets.
But overall, with an elite prospect available at a key position, this was a straightforward choice.
Round 1, Pick 25: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Moving into the later part of the first round, the Giants made headlines by trading up to select quarterback Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss. Reports indicated that they were eager to find their future quarterback, and they successfully struck a deal with the Houston Texans to make this pick happen.
When evaluating Dart, there’s a lot to unpack. During the NFL Combine, analyst Daniel Jeremiah compared him to Jalen Hurts, highlighting similarities in build and the way they throw the ball. While Dart displays impressive athleticism and a knack for making plays, he may not possess Hurts’ level of explosiveness or the talent surrounding him at the pro level—yet.
However, he also drew comparisons to Brock Purdy, another unheralded quarterback who has found success in the league. Dart’s situation reflects a larger narrative; both he and Purdy emerged from less than ideal situations, yet they’ve managed to thrive. Dart’s selection is a calculated risk for the Giants as they aim to turn their fortunes around quickly, especially under the scrutiny of management and fans alike.
Round 3, Pick 65: Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
With their third-round pick, the Giants grabbed Darius Alexander, a defensive tackle from Toledo. He’s known for his impressive blend of length and athleticism, and he’s recognized as a strong run defender. However, he’s also a project player, having only two years as a starter and entering the league at 25 years old. His production hasn’t been overwhelming, either, with just nine sacks in five MAC seasons. Still, he fits a need and could develop nicely with the right coaching.
Round 4, Pick 105: Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
Now, this is where it gets interesting. Cam Skattebo had a phenomenal season, rushing for 1,711 yards and scoring 21 touchdowns. He also shined as a pass-catching back with 45 receptions. Skattebo’s versatility as a power runner and his ability to contribute on special teams adds depth to the Giants’ backfield.
But there are concerns regarding his speed; he reportedly recorded a 4.65 40-yard dash. The transition to the NFL can be unforgiving, especially for backs that thrive on elusiveness. Nevertheless, he’s a unique talent who, if utilized creatively, could bring a spark to the offense.
Round 5, Pick 154: Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue
With their fifth-round selection, the Giants picked up Marcus Mbow, who played both right guard and tackle during his college career. Standing 6’4″, with shorter arms, he’s more suited for the interior of the line. Mbow brings smarts and athleticism, along with a chippy playing style that should help bolster their offensive line competition, especially against veterans like Greg Van Roten.
Round 7, Pick 219: Thomas Fidone, TE, Nebraska
The Giants rounded out their draft with Thomas Fidone, a tight end from Nebraska who had modest production in college. At 6’5″ with good athletic measurables, he offers the potential for upside as a seventh-round pick, making this a worthy gamble.
Round 7, Pick 246: Korie Black, CB, Oklahoma State
The final pick, Korie Black, adds depth to the secondary. Although he may not have a wealth of college tape, his reported speed and explosiveness at pro day are exciting elements for a late-round selection.
Overview
Overall, the Giants had a productive draft, landing potentially franchise-altering talent in Abdul Carter and taking a calculated risk on Jaxson Dart with implications for their immediate and long-term future. The other selections—Alexander, Skattebo, Mbow, Fidone, and Black—demonstrated a solid mix of addressing needs and seeking value.
Their draft grade might hover around an A-. It reflects an encouraging step forward for a franchise desperately looking to turn the page. And particularly for Dart, even if his journey leads to uncertain outcomes, there’s an undeniable value in providing fresh hope to a fanbase that’s seen its share of tough seasons. The Giants emerge from this draft with a semblance of direction, and that’s something fans can rally behind as the new season approaches.
