One rookie who is already turning a lot of heads early on at training camp has been linebacker Abdul Carter. He is the New York Giants’ third choice in the 2025 draft. Less than a week into practices, Carter had transitioned from mostly working with the second-team defense. It didn’t take long before he started earning first team reps at an accelerated rate. Collins’ professionalism and urgency has wowed teammates and coaches alike. His overall skill and athleticism give every indication that he’ll be in the mix for major minutes this season, an intoxicating proposition.
Carter’s standout moment came during one-on-one matchups against veteran tackle Stone Forsythe on Monday, where he convincingly won his battles. He was a technical marvel—a dancer with incredible finesse and speed. With a lightning-quick inside spin move, he left Forsythe no chance to even get a hand on him. On Sunday, Carter pulled a similar stunt to ruin Jermaine Eluemunor’s day. He continued to wow observers with his remarkable field vision and dazzling ability to fly by blockers.
When called upon, Carter displays his versatility as he roams as an off-ball linebacker and even lines up from the interior of the defensive line. He shines there too—in the best possible way, of course. His ability to play multiple positions has turned him into a key piece of the team’s defensive identity. Observers praised Carter’s exceptional quickness and footwork to allow him to bypass blockers. One particular play was memorable, where he blew by rookie right tackle Marcus Mbow, showing off his elite bend.
The Giants’ coaching staff and players have expressed enthusiasm about Carter’s potential. Defensive end Brian Burns highlighted the possibility of forming a formidable pass-rushing trio alongside him and fellow player Kayvon Thibodeaux. Burns remarked on Carter’s innate abilities, saying, “This is a watered-down statement, but [he] a dog!”
Eluemunor has also praised Carter’s performance, stating, “I know that kid’s going to be great. I tell him every day, tell him when I see him I think he’s going to be great.” He further elaborated on what makes Carter stand out: “The characteristics he has, you can’t teach. Hard work and talent are necessary, but some skills are God-given. That’s the only time I’ve ever seen his special twitch and amazing shiftiness comp out in person — twice in my professional career.
Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II echoed this sentiment, noting Carter’s impressive movement skills and game tape: “He’s swift. He can move really well and his tape is unbelievable as well.”
NY Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll showed characteristic humor and confidence in his response, predicting Carter would be a “big difference maker” this season. Hunter, for his part, interjected over the team’s broadcast with the sarcastic, “You don’t say!” when at least one reporter speculated on the rookie’s potential contributions.
As training camp goes on, Abdul Carter just keeps impressing everyone from his coaching staff to his fellow stars. His strong performances indicate that he can be a key part of the Giants’ defensive front this year. Fans and analysts are abuzz over his creative skill set and nasty disposition. They’re just going to have to wait and see how his role develops as the team prepares for the 2018 season.
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