Three takeaways for the Giants following the NFL Draft
Giants first-round draft picks Abdul Carter, left, and Jaxson Dart shake hands during a press conference at the team's training facility in East Rutherford, N.J., on Friday. Credit: AP/Stefan Jeremiah
It’s hard to disagree that the Giants’ 2025 draft was a great success on paper. Here are three takeaways from the new group:
1. The Giants filled critical needs, especially in essential spots
It’s more effective to grade drafts in three years when players have shown a decent body of work. But in terms of snap judgments, the Giants deserve all the praise for filling needs.
They got a future quarterback in Jaxson Dart via trade without sacrificing the No. 3 overall pick. And with that third selection, they took Abdul Carter, one of the draft’s best prospects, who can have an immediate impact as an edge rusher.
They continued to beef up the defense by adding defensive tackle Darius Alexander and cornerback Korie Black. Fourth-round pick Cam Skattebo’s physical style brings another dimension to a strong running back room. Marcus Mbow provides depth on the offensive line, where he’ll start out as a tackle, according to coach Brian Daboll.
General manager Joe Schoen didn’t want to pat himself on the back, but others did that for him, with ESPN and NFL.com giving the Giants an “A” grade. Now this class has to prove it can match last year’s initial success, let alone the lofty praise.
Carter said on Friday: “I’m going to get to work with [my new teammates] more, know them more and we’re just going to hit the field running.”
2. Be patient with Dart
Whomever the Giants drafted at quarterback was going to sit for a while. That was obvious when Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston were signed and it’s still obvious, even with Dart being a first-round pick.
Daboll reaffirmed Thursday that Wilson remains the starter, but all eyes now are on how Dart develops. On Saturday, Daboll said Dart will get most of his reps with the third unit this spring but added that he will be thrown into some first- or second-team situations to react to a different environment.
In short, he’ll develop in a fashion similar to the way Josh Allen did when Daboll helped coach him in Buffalo.
“There will be an important plan for Jax,” Daboll said. “I look forward to executing that plan with him.”
Whether Dart starts or plays meaningful snaps will be decided in time. Fans will be wise to let that be Wilson’s responsibility and focus on how Dart is groomed to continue proving Daboll’s reputation as a quarterback whisperer.
3. The defense has a chance to be really good
Schoen and Daboll spent more money adding defensive players than offensive ones in free agency this offseason. That plan stayed true as the Giants drafted three defensive guys in Carter, Alexander and Black.
Suddenly, this group looks as if it’s capable of taking a major leap.
Alexander can help to take some much-needed attention off Dexter Lawrence. Carter’s gift at edge rusher could mean a fresher Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux to rush the quarterback.
Add in the free-agent signings of Paulson Adebo, Jevon Holland and Chauncey Golston and the makings are there for the defense to get even better. For the Giants to leave last year’s 3-14 record behind them, building up the side of the ball that helped them win multiple Super Bowls is a good plan.
Defense is a top priority that has been addressed. Let’s see if it pays off.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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