On Friday, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter made an appearance at his Pro Day. While he did not participate in workouts, he provided updated measurements and shared information that fans and analysts can consider as the 2025 NFL Draft nears. Carter is projected to be one of the top prospects in the draft and has scheduled visits with only four teams: the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and New England Patriots. Each of these teams holds a top-four pick and has a legitimate reason to consider selecting Carter, who is regarded as the best edge rusher in this year’s class. However, among these teams, the New York Giants appear to be the least likely to draft him.
There are multiple scenarios in which the Giants could take Carter, though both seem less probable than selecting a quarterback or another highly-rated player like Colorado’s Travis Hunter. If quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are the first two picks, the Giants might prefer Carter over Hunter, despite Hunter’s reputation as a generational talent who fits multiple team needs. In another situation, if Ward and Hunter are selected early, the Giants might opt for Carter instead of drafting a quarterback, even though they have a pressing need for a franchise passer. However, both of these outcomes are less likely than the team simply selecting a quarterback or Hunter. If the Giants do end up drafting Carter, it could immediately raise questions about the future of their current edge rusher, Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Rumors surrounding Thibodeaux’s future with the Giants have continued, with Last Word on Sports recently suggesting a trade scenario. Analyst Anthony Palacios noted that the Carolina Panthers are working to improve their defense after showing progress on offense under quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers’ top edge rusher last season, Jadeveon Clowney, was rumored to be on the trade block, but a move never materialized. With the recent signing of Tershawn Wharton to bolster the defensive line, Clowney could still be dealt, making Thibodeaux a viable trade target for Carolina.
Speculation about Carolina’s need for an edge rusher has been a frequent topic this offseason. A recent Underdog mock draft suggested that the Panthers could trade up to the third overall pick to select Carter, giving the Giants additional draft capital to secure a quarterback in 2026. Thibodeaux would be an immediate upgrade for Carolina, but the Giants could also decide to keep him. Exercising his fifth-year option would allow them to assess his value while pairing him with Brian Burns and Carter on the defensive edge. The Giants should prioritize retaining talented players rather than letting them leave. While a future without Thibodeaux remains a possibility, his strong performances and potential to thrive alongside elite defensive talents suggest that creating a surplus at edge rusher could be the best strategy if Carter is their top choice.
Leave a Reply