As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Giants` are still searching for their quarterback of the future. While they secured veteran QB Jameis Winston through free agency, they are focused on selecting a quarterback early in April’s draft.
With the third overall pick and two teams ahead of them in need of a quarterback, the Giants face the possibility of missing out on one of the top two quarterback prospects. How will they adjust if this worst-case scenario unfolds?
Giants take best player available after missing on quarterback in PFF’s latest mock draft
Josh Liskiewitz’s latest mock draft for Pro Football Focus examined a potential scenario where the top two quarterbacks were already taken. In this mock, Miami QB Cam Ward was selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans, followed by Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders going second to the Cleveland Browns. This left the Giants with a tough choice: reach for the third-ranked quarterback or take the best available player.
Rather than forcing a quarterback pick, Liskiewitz projected the Giants would choose Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter. He explained, “It’s hard not to see some Micah Parsons in Carter, who not only wears the same No. 11 but also stands out on almost every play due to his rare athleticism. If he can bulk up, he has All-Pro potential as a player worthy of a top-five pick.”
Securing Carter would be a solid backup plan for the Giants if they miss out on a quarterback. His “All-Pro potential” as a disruptive pass-rusher could help solidify a dominant defensive front for the Giants in 2025.
Abdul Carter could be a game-wrecker for the Giants
Scouts, analysts, fans, and NFL teams are sure to be captivated by Carter’s skill set. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound athletic powerhouse is regarded by some as the top overall prospect in the draft class.
In 2024, Carter earned All-American honors after leading the nation with 24 tackles for loss. He also recorded 12.0 sacks, 68 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and four pass deflections. His 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade ranked second among FBS edge defenders.
The Giants have already invested a top-five pick in a pass-rusher, selecting Kayvon Thibodeaux with the No. 5 overall pick in 2022. Additionally, their $141 million contract with Brian Burns could make them hesitant to draft Carter third overall.
However, a defense can never have too many elite pass rushers, and Carter has the potential to become one of the league’s best if he reaches his full potential. While an edge rusher may not be the Giants’ top priority, that shouldn’t stop them from selecting a rare talent like Carter.
