Giants' 2025 NFL Draft Strategy: Abdul Carter and Jaylen Milroe?

The 2025 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and draft analysts are finalizing their predictions. In his last mock draft of the season, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has made some intriguing projections for the New York Giants' first two picks. Let's break down Kiper's selections and what they could mean for the Giants' future.

The #3 Overall Pick: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

With the third overall selection, Kiper has the Giants taking Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. This pick aligns with current betting odds, which favor Carter as the likely choice for New York at #3.

Abdul Carter's Profile

• Height/Weight: 6'3", 250 lbs
• Position: Edge Rusher/Linebacker
• College: Penn State

Carter's 2024 Season Stats

• 12 sacks
• 23.5 tackles for loss
• 66 total pressures

Why Carter Makes Sense for the Giants

1. Elite Pass Rushing Potential: In his first full season as an edge rusher, Carter demonstrated exceptional ability, recording 12 sacks and 66 pressures. His transition from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher showcases his versatility and untapped potential.

2. Defensive Identity: Pairing Carter with existing talents like Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dexter Lawrence, and Brian Burns could give the Giants one of the NFL's most formidable pass-rushing units.

3. Positional Value: Elite edge rushers are among the most valuable non-quarterback assets in the NFL. Carter's potential to be a game-changing force off the edge justifies his selection at #3 overall.

4. Athleticism and Versatility: Carter's background as an off-ball linebacker suggests he could be used creatively in various defensive schemes, adding flexibility to the Giants' defensive gameplan.

Carter's Advanced Metrics

• #1 pass rush grade in the country (2024)
• #6 overall pass rush production score
• 4th best pass rush win rate on passing plays (22.6%)
• 93.0 pass rush grade on non-play action/screen passes (#2 in the country)
• 35.1% pass rush win rate on pure dropback passes

Injury Concerns

Some have raised questions about Carter's durability due to a foot injury discovered at the NFL Combine. However, NFL executives, including Browns GM Andrew Berry, have downplayed these concerns. Berry stated that the injury is "not going to prohibit his long, successful career."

Expert Analysis

Pro Football Focus compares Carter to another former Penn State star, Micah Parsons, noting his "explosive and violent rip move" and "speed to power conversion." They highlight his elite athleticism, explosiveness, and bend, while noting areas for improvement such as hand usage and consistency in run defense.

The #34 Overall Pick: Jaylen Milroe, QB, Alabama

In the second round, Kiper projects the Giants to select Alabama quarterback Jaylen Milroe. This pick represents a high-upside gamble on a talented but raw prospect.

Jaylen Milroe's Profile

• Height/Weight: 6'2", 220 lbs
• Position: Quarterback
• College: Alabama

Milroe's 2024 Season Stats

• Passing: 2,834 yards, 23 TDs, 6 INTs
• Rushing: 531 yards, 12 TDs

Why Milroe Makes Sense for the Giants

1. Elite Athleticism: Milroe ran a 4.4 40-yard dash at his pro day, showcasing rare speed for the quarterback position. His ability as a runner adds a dynamic element to any offense.

2. Deep Ball Prowess: Milroe has demonstrated excellent touch and accuracy on deep passes, particularly in 2023 when he completed 52.2% of his 20+ yard throws for 16 touchdowns and just one interception.

3. Development Opportunity: With Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston on the roster, the Giants can afford to let Milroe develop without immediate pressure to start.

4. High Ceiling: While raw in some aspects, Milroe's combination of arm talent and athleticism gives him one of the highest ceilings in the draft class.

Milroe's Strengths

• Exceptional athlete with game-changing running ability
• Strong arm with the ability to make all NFL throws
• Excellent deep ball accuracy and touch
• Natural leader with high character

Areas for Improvement

• Needs to develop consistency in short and intermediate accuracy
• Must improve pre-snap reads and decision-making
• Has to learn to operate more effectively from the pocket
• Needs to improve performance under pressure

Expert Analysis

Dane Brugler of The Athletic notes that Milroe "as an athlete and person... belongs in the first round." However, he questions whether Milroe can "develop the passing consistency needed to grow into an NFL starter."

Pro Football Focus highlights Milroe's dual-threat capabilities and twitchy athleticism but notes significant variance in his accuracy and decision-making.

Evaluating the Giants' Draft Strategy

Kiper's mock draft presents an interesting strategy for the Giants:

1. Immediate Impact: Abdul Carter could provide an instant boost to the pass rush and overall defensive performance.

2. Future Planning: Jaylen Milroe represents a high-upside investment in the quarterback position, with time to develop behind veterans.

3. Balancing Needs and Value: By addressing the pass rush early and taking a chance on a quarterback in round two, the Giants aim to improve both in the short and long term.

4. Flexibility: This draft strategy allows the Giants to remain flexible. If Milroe develops quickly, they have their quarterback of the future. If not, they've still added a potential game-changing defender in Carter.

Alternative Options

While Kiper's selections are intriguing, it's worth noting some other players who were available in this mock draft:

At #3 Overall

• Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
• Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

At #34 Overall

• Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
• Walter Nolan, DL, Texas A&M
• TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
• Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
• Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Conclusion

Mel Kiper's final mock draft presents an exciting possibility for the New York Giants. By selecting Abdul Carter at #3, they could potentially secure a generational pass-rushing talent to pair with their existing defensive stars. The selection of Jaylen Milroe at #34 represents a high-upside gamble on a quarterback with elite physical tools who could develop into a franchise player.

This draft strategy balances immediate impact with long-term planning, addressing key needs while also taking a swing at the most important position in football. Whether the Giants follow this path or go in a different direction, the 2025 NFL Draft promises to be a crucial moment for the franchise's future.

As we approach draft day, Giants fans should be excited about the potential to add impact players who could shape the team's identity for years to come. Whether it's Carter terrorizing opposing quarterbacks or Milroe developing into a dual-threat star, the future looks bright for Big Blue.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwe1rhhbvhI