The New York Giants went for Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter with the third pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and their defensive front is already turning heads. As the team tries to shape its future, head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen could be coaching for their jobs this season.
Despite some pre-draft buzz on offensive line or QB help, the Giants took the best defensive player available. So far, that bet appears to be paying off as Carter looks to follow the Giants’ legend Michael Strahan and ‘bring the greatness back’ to New York.
Carter Vows To ‘Bring Greatness Back’ to the Giants After Meeting Strahan
Confidence has never been an issue for Carter. Before the draft, he asked if he could wear retired jersey numbers belonging to franchise legends Lawrence Taylor (No. 56) and Phil Simms (No. 11). While those numbers remained off-limits, Carter settled in with No. 51.
While the Penn State product apparently didn’t ask for Strahan’s No. 91, which is also retired by the Giants, he knows his legacy in New York. After meeting with the seven-time Pro Bowler at the rookie minicamp, Carter vowed to bring the greatness back to the Giants.
“Yeah, that’s dope,” Carter said at the press conference. “Seeing somebody as legendary, somebody in the New York Giants organization, coming back, giving back, and giving us great advice. It is dope to see him here.”
“I would just say, speaking about the New York Giants’ history, knowing how much we have, knowing the history, the championships we have, and I just want to be a part of bringing that legacy back. Just bringing that greatness back to New York.”
Abdul Carter on having Michael Strahan visit practice & talk to the team pic.twitter.com/gBKAC86pNI
— Giants Nation Show (@GiantsNationPod)
Strahan spent his entire 15-year career with the Giants and holds their career records for sacks, tackles, and tackles for loss. Only Eli Manning has more games (236) for the franchise than Strahan (216). He finished his career with 141.5 sacks, sixth-most on the NFL’s all-time list, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, his second year of eligibility.
Carter would surely like to replicate a similar career in New York. He will likely line up as an outside linebacker rather than a traditional hand-in-the-dirt defensive end if the Giants continue to deploy a base 3-4 scheme. However, his versatility is one of his biggest strengths. With stars like Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns on the front line, Carter won’t need to do it all, but he’ll have every chance to shine.
His swagger and work ethic have already won over fans and teammates. If he plays the way scouts believe he can, Carter might be the piece that finally brings the Giants’ defense back on track.