They chose linebacker Abdul Carter with their third overall pick and traded back into the first round to take quarterback Jaxson Dart 25th overall. These tactical moves underscore the team’s focus on improving their defensive presence and offensive firepower.
Penn State linebacker and standout Abdul Carter was one of the most polarizing prospects in this year’s draft. They listed him as the best player overall. As the film shows, in his first season as an edge rusher, he put up truly remarkable 12 sack numbers. For two seasons, he played the game as a roving off-ball linebacker before taking on a more attack-and-sack approach. The Giants are viewing Carter as a multi-faceted weapon. Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon apparently wants to use him in much the same way that the Dallas Cowboys use star pass rusher Micah Parsons.
General Manager Joe Schoen expressed confidence in Carter’s potential, describing him as a “blue-chip prospect” and a generational talent that “you don’t pass on.” Given the Giants’ already robust defensive front, which features players like Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Bobby Okereke, Carter’s addition is expected to further strengthen their defensive strategies.
The Giants are obviously excited to see quarterback Jaxson Dart. In addition to sending one of the largest groups I’ve ever seen, including their entire ownership contingent, they flew him to Oxford, Mississippi for a private workout. Schoen himself attended one of Dart’s games this season, indicating the thorough evaluation process undertaken by the Giants’ management.
Last year, Dart piloted Ole Miss to an impressive 10-3 record, throwing for 4,279 yards and tossing 29 touchdowns. His performance solidified his place as one of the top QB prospects. Head coach Brian Daboll acknowledged him as the best candidate to address the team’s long-term needs at that position.
To get Dart, the Giants had to do something daring. Included in the deal were their No. 34 pick, the No. 99 pick, plus a third-rounder in 2026 to the Houston Texans. This aggressive play reinforces their desire to continue to bolster their QB room that features only veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston at this time.
Schoen said that the decision to pick Dart only came together this past Monday. He pointed out that the setup gives Dart the opportunity to learn from veteran quarterbacks while not being forced into the lineup right away.
“He’s in a really good spot where he can come in and he can sit behind a couple of veteran quarterbacks and learn and doesn’t have to be thrown out there right away,” – Joe Schoen
“I think from a developmental standpoint and the ability to grow, I think it’s a perfect situation for a young quarterback,” – Joe Schoen
“Yeah, again, we went through an extensive process, and we moved up for Jaxson,” – Joe Schoen
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