Giants 2025 NFL Draft Review: Analyzing Joe Shane's Picks and Team Strategy

The 2025 NFL Draft has concluded, and the New York Giants have made some significant moves to bolster their roster. Let's dive into a comprehensive review of their draft picks and overall strategy.

Abdul Carter: The Game-Changing Edge Rusher

With the third overall pick, the Giants selected Abdul Carter, an edge rusher from Penn State. This selection earns high marks for several reasons:

• Carter is considered the second-best player in the draft class
• At 21 years old, he has immense potential for growth
• In his first season as an edge rusher, he recorded impressive stats:
  • 12 sacks
  • 66 pressures
  • 24 tackles for loss

Carter's versatility allows him to line up all over the field, and his athletic prowess is truly remarkable. His first step and closing speed are exceptional, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic praised Carter's disruptive presence, noting his ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks and make plays in the run game. This pick gives the Giants a defensive identity and a player who will demand attention from every opposing offense for years to come.

Jackson Dart: The Future at Quarterback

The Giants traded up to select Jackson Dart, potentially their franchise quarterback of the future. While the trade may have been slightly costly, if Dart pans out, it will be well worth it. Here's what makes Dart an intriguing prospect:

• Only 21 years old, with room for development
• Completed 69% of his passes in his final college season
• Threw for nearly 4,300 yards with 32 total touchdowns
• Efficient on deep passes, completing 42% of throws 20+ yards downfield
• Underrated athlete, with 648 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns last season

Brian Daboll sees shades of Josh Allen in Dart, particularly in his ability to throw deep. Dart's toughness and competitiveness have also caught the coach's eye.

While Dart may need time to develop his progression-based reads and anticipation, he has the natural throwing ability and mobility to become an NFL starter if given time to develop at his own pace.

Darius Alexander: Bolstering the Defensive Line

The Giants continued to strengthen their defense by selecting Darius Alexander, a defensive tackle from Toledo. This pick earns high marks for several reasons:

• Alexander is a balanced defensive tackle who can impact both the run and pass game
• He recorded 46 pressures in 2023 and 37 in 2024
• At 24 years old (25 when the season starts), he's ready to contribute immediately

Dane Brugler compares Alexander's best plays to those of Leonard Williams, praising his blend of power, length, and athletic body control. Alexander projects as a three-down, scheme-versatile NFL starter who can be disruptive in an attacking role.

This selection further solidifies the Giants' identity as a team that will control the line of scrimmage and make life difficult for opposing offenses.

Kam Scatterboo: A Physical Running Back

The Giants added Kam Scatterboo to their backfield, a pick that earns a B+ grade. Scatterboo brings physicality and versatility to the offense:

• Rushed for 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns in his final college season
• Second-most yards after contact in college football last year
• Forced over 100 missed tackles
• Averaged more than 4 yards per carry after contact
• Capable receiver with 45 catches for 605 yards and 3 touchdowns

Scatterboo's running style fits the Giants' new identity of toughness and physicality. His ability to contribute in the passing game makes him a potential three-down back who can be a weapon in various situations.

Dane Brugler notes Scatterboo's compact build, quick feet, and tremendous resolve. His pad level and contact balance allow him to maximize every carry, making him an ideal fit for a team looking to upgrade its backfield's physicality.

Marcus Bo: Offensive Line Reinforcement

The Giants may have found a steal in Marcus Bo, an offensive lineman from Purdue, selected with the 154th pick. This selection earns an A- grade for several reasons:

• Bo was widely considered a top 70-85 prospect
• At 6'4" and 302 lbs, he has ideal size for an NFL lineman
• Positional versatility, with experience at both right tackle and right guard
• Athletic background in basketball translates to good footwork and balance

Brian Daboll has indicated that Bo will start at right tackle, but his versatility could allow him to play multiple positions on the line. Bo's athletic body control and skilled hands provide a solid foundation for development into an NFL starter.

Late-Round Selections

Thomas Fidone II: Tight End with Upside

In the seventh round, the Giants selected Thomas Fidone II, a tight end from Nebraska. While this pick earns a C+ grade, Fidone offers intriguing potential:

• Excellent size at 6'5" and 243 lbs
• Impressive athleticism, scoring in the 93rd percentile of all tight ends at the NFL combine
• Versatility to line up in-line or in the slot

Injuries have hampered Fidone's development, but if he can stay healthy, he could become a valuable asset in the passing game.

Collin Oliver: Special Teams Contributor

With their final pick, the Giants selected Collin Oliver, a defensive back from Oklahoma State. Oliver projects as an immediate contributor on special teams:

• Excellent athleticism and straight-line speed
• Physical tackler with experience blocking kicks
• Needs development in coverage skills

While Oliver may not see much time in the defensive backfield initially, his potential as a special teams ace makes this a solid late-round selection.

Overall Draft Grade: A-

The Giants' 2025 draft class earns an A- grade for several reasons:

1. Addressing key needs: The team focused on strengthening the trenches and adding playmakers on both sides of the ball.
2. Potential franchise quarterback: If Jackson Dart develops as hoped, this could be a franchise-altering draft.
3. Defensive identity: Selections like Abdul Carter and Darius Alexander give the Giants a clear defensive identity.
4. Value picks: Players like Marcus Bo and Kam Scatterboo offer excellent value for where they were selected.
5. Long-term thinking: While some picks may not contribute immediately, the Giants have added players with high ceilings who could develop into key contributors.

Joe Shane and the Giants' front office have put together a draft class that addresses immediate needs while also planning for the future. If these players develop as hoped, the 2025 draft could be remembered as a turning point for the franchise.

The success of this draft class will ultimately hinge on the development of Jackson Dart and the impact of first-round pick Abdul Carter. If both players live up to their potential, the Giants could find themselves back in playoff contention sooner rather than later.

As the team moves forward, the focus will be on integrating these new players into the system and continuing to build a roster that can compete in the tough NFC East. With a mix of immediate contributors and high-upside prospects, the Giants have given themselves a solid foundation for future success.

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