East Rutherford, NJ—-The New York Giants wasted no time making a splash in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Penn State standout Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick. Touted by many analysts as the top defensive talent in this year’s class, Carter brings elite athleticism and versatility to a Giants defense in desperate need of playmakers.
Carter Dominates Early in Training Camp
Just two days into training camp, Carter has already begun showcasing why he was such a coveted prospect. During Thursday’s team drills, the rookie linebacker was a disruptive force across the field, consistently bursting into the backfield and applying pressure on the quarterback.
In one standout rep, Carter beat rookie offensive tackle Marcus Mbow off the edge with explosive bend and closing speed. Later, he left a strong impression again — this time executing a slick double-move to beat center John Michael Schmitz, a highlight that quickly made the rounds online.
What stood out most was Carter’s versatility. He generated pressure from multiple spots — as an edge rusher, lined up as an interior lineman, and even from an off-ball linebacker position. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has clearly embraced Carter’s dynamic skill set, deploying him in various alignments to maximize his impact.
With Carter turning heads on defense and new leadership under center, the Giants are hoping their 2025 campaign brings a long-overdue turnaround — on both sides of the ball.
Offense Still Searching for Answers After Disappointing 2024
While the defense is buzzing with fresh talent, the Giants’ offense remains under the microscope following a rough 2024 campaign. The team averaged just 14.1 points per game — ranking 31st in the league — and struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack.
With Saquon Barkley no longer on the roster, the backfield lacked a true workhorse. Rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the team with 839 rushing yards, but the offense failed to produce explosive plays on the ground or establish rhythm behind shaky run blocking.
The Giants ranked 25th in rushing yards per game (101.6) and often left the quarterbacks without sufficient support. Russell Wilson showed encouraging signs in the early days of training camp, appearing calm and decisive in the pocket while pushing the ball downfield with confidence.
Quick Recap: 2024 Giants Rushing Struggles
25th in NFL in rushing yards per game (101.6)
Leading rusher: Tyrone Tracy Jr. – 839 yards
No 1,000-yard rusher on the roster
Few explosive runs, inconsistent blocking
Contributed to bottom-tier scoring offense (14.1 PPG)
A Giants Legend Bows Out
In related news, former Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh officially announced his retirement from the NFL. Pugh spent the majority of his career in New York before finishing his playing days with the Arizona Cardinals. He reflected fondly on his time with Big Blue and expressed gratitude to both organizations for his NFL journey.
