Giants Draft Buzz: Abdul Carter Emerges as Top Target at No. 3

NFL Draft Projections Shift as Giants' Plans Come into Focus

With just over two weeks until the 2025 NFL Draft, insider reports and betting odds are pointing to a major shakeup at the top of the draft board. Adam Schefter, one of the most connected NFL reporters, has provided a significant update on what he expects to happen with the first three picks.

Browns Pivot to Travis Hunter at No. 2

According to Schefter's latest intel shared on the Pat McAfee Show, Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter has emerged as the likely selection for the Cleveland Browns with the 2nd overall pick. This represents a shift from earlier projections that had the Browns targeting a quarterback or edge rusher Abdul Carter.

Schefter explained:

"The latest intel now is that I believe Travis Hunter is the more likely pick at number two to the Cleveland Browns today, a couple weeks out of the NFL draft, for a couple of different reasons. I think that the Cleveland Browns watched Travis Hunter on Friday at the Colorado Pro Day and they saw somebody that could move like nobody else."

This aligns with updated betting odds from FanDuel, which now have Hunter as the -250 favorite to be selected 2nd overall. Abdul Carter has fallen to +105 odds, while Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders sits at +1000.

Giants Zeroing in on Abdul Carter

With Hunter potentially off the board at No. 2, attention turns to the New York Giants' plans with the 3rd overall selection. Multiple insider reports now suggest Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter has become the frontrunner for New York.

Schefter reported that Carter had breakfast on Sunday with Giants head coach Brian Daboll in State College, Pennsylvania. Carter is also scheduled for an official top-30 visit with the Giants on Thursday. Notably, Carter is not taking visits with any teams drafting outside the top 4.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, who is known to have a strong relationship with Giants GM Joe Schoen, offered this projection:

"If I had to guess right now, I'd say the New York Giants - they'd love Travis Hunter and they'd love Abdul Carter, and they'll look at quarterbacks on day two."

The betting markets have adjusted accordingly, with Carter now the favorite to be selected 3rd overall at -110 odds. Shedeur Sanders has fallen to +400, suggesting the Giants may be less likely to target a quarterback than previously thought.

Analyzing Abdul Carter as a Fit for the Giants

While some fans may question the need for another edge rusher given the presence of Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, there's a strong case to be made for Carter as a game-changing addition to the Giants defense.

Elite Production in First Season as Edge Rusher

Carter's 2024 season at Penn State was nothing short of remarkable, especially considering it was his first year playing primarily as an edge defender:

• 12 sacks
• 66 total pressures
• 16 games played

What makes these numbers even more impressive is Carter's rapid improvement throughout the season as he gained experience at his new position. His ceiling appears limitless given how quickly he adapted and dominated.

Versatility and Athleticism

At 6'4" and 250 pounds with exceptional speed and explosiveness, Carter offers scheme versatility that will allow defensive coordinators to deploy him creatively:

• Can line up as traditional edge rusher
• Ability to play off-ball linebacker
• Experience rushing from interior gaps
• Potential to drop into coverage

In 2024, Carter logged:

• 642 snaps as a defensive lineman
• 620 snaps outside the offensive tackle
• 90 snaps inside the box (off-ball)

This positional flexibility will allow the Giants to create mismatches and keep offenses guessing.

Elite Pass Rush Metrics

Carter's advanced statistics paint the picture of a truly elite pass rushing prospect:

• #1 in nation in PFF pass rush grade
• #6 in pass rush productivity score
• 22.6% win rate in 1-on-1 pass blocking situations
• 93.0 PFF grade on true pass rush snaps (drop back passes only)
• 35.1% win rate against true pass sets

These numbers put Carter in rarified air among edge rushing prospects of the past decade.

Addressing Concerns About Roster Construction

Some fans may worry about resource allocation with Burns, Thibodeaux, and potentially Carter all on the roster. However, history shows the value of a deep pass rush rotation:

• In 2012, the Giants had Jason Pierre-Paul (83% snap share), Justin Tuck (67%), Osi Umenyiora (61%), and Mathias Kiwanuka (50% while listed as LB)
• This rotation helped lead to two Super Bowl victories over the Patriots

A creative defensive coordinator can maximize the talents of Burns, Thibodeaux, Carter, and Dexter Lawrence to create a nightmare scenario for opposing offenses.

Scouting Report: Abdul Carter

Strengths

• Exceptional first step and burst off the line
• Rare closing speed to chase down plays from behind
• Flexibility to bend the edge and flatten to the QB
• Violent hands to disengage from blockers
• High motor and relentless pursuit
• Versatility to line up in multiple spots
• Natural instincts as a pass rusher despite limited experience

Areas for Improvement

• Can improve technique and hand usage variety
• Still developing counters when initial rush is stopped
• Run defense fundamentals need refinement
• Can add functional strength to anchor against NFL tackles

NFL Comparison

Many scouts and analysts have compared Carter to Micah Parsons due to his rare combination of size, speed, and positional flexibility. While it's a lofty comparison, Carter's athletic profile and production trajectory suggest he could develop into a similar caliber of defensive weapon.

Draft Night Implications

If the Giants do indeed select Abdul Carter 3rd overall, it would signal a clear commitment to building an elite defense that can pressure opposing quarterbacks from all angles. The combination of Carter, Burns, Thibodeaux, and Lawrence would give New York one of the most talented young front sevens in the NFL.

This approach would likely mean addressing the quarterback position later in the draft or potentially through free agency/trade in 2026. It would put immense pressure on Daniel Jones to prove he can be the long-term answer under center.

Regardless of the final decision, Giants fans should feel confident that the team will be adding a blue-chip talent at No. 3 overall. Whether it's Carter, Hunter (if available), or a surprise selection, New York is positioned to add an impact player who can help return the franchise to contention in the NFC East.

What's Next

With just over two weeks until draft night, expect the rumor mill to continue churning. Key dates to watch:

• April 17th: Deadline for teams to host top-30 visits
• April 24th: Last day for clubs to time, test, visit with, interview or conduct a physical exam with draft-eligible players
• April 25-27: 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Stay tuned for continued coverage and analysis as we approach one of the most exciting nights on the NFL calendar. The future of the New York Giants hangs in the balance with this crucial 3rd overall selection.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsZXgPNTL5w