Giants Draft Buzz: Abdul Carter and Jackson Dart in Play?

Giants Draft Rumors Heat Up: Abdul Carter and Jackson Dart in Focus

As the NFL draft approaches, rumors surrounding the New York Giants' potential picks are intensifying. With just 66 days until the big event, insiders are buzzing about two names in particular: Abdul Carter and Jackson Dart. Let's break down these intriguing prospects and what they could bring to the Giants.

Abdul Carter: A Game-Changing Edge Rusher?

According to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter could potentially be the top prospect on the Giants' draft board. This may come as a surprise to some, given that the team already has Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the roster. However, Schwartz suggests that all three could potentially play together, creating a formidable pass-rushing unit.

Carter's Impressive Resume

At 6'3" and around 240-260 pounds, the 21-year-old Carter is still developing as a player. The 2024 season was his first playing primarily as an edge rusher, having previously lined up as an inside linebacker. Despite this transition, Carter's production was outstanding:

• 66 pressures
• 12 sacks
• 24 tackles for loss
• 68 total tackles
• 4 pass breakups
• 2 forced fumbles

Comparing Carter to His Peers

Carter's 2024 performance stands out when compared to other draft prospects:

• Pass rush grade: 92.3
• True pass set pass rush grade: 93.0
• Run stop rate: 7.6%
• Pass rush win rate: 22.8%

These numbers highlight Carter's effectiveness both against the run and as a pass rusher.

Expert Opinion on Carter

Dane Brugler, a respected NFL draft analyst, had this to say about Carter:

"Carter might not have elite size, but his explosiveness is special and it allows him to win with initial burst, edge speed, or power through contact. His rush plan and sequencing continues to improve with his reps, and he projects as the type of pass rusher that can force offenses to alter their game plan."

The Giants' Pass-Rushing Philosophy

While some may question the need for another edge rusher, Giants fans know from experience that you can never have too many pass rushers. The team's Super Bowl victories in 2007 and 2011 were built on a foundation of relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Adding Carter to a rotation with Burns and Thibodeaux could give the Giants a fearsome pass rush that keeps offenses on their heels.

Jackson Dart: The Giants' Quarterback of the Future?

While much of the draft discussion has centered around top quarterback prospects like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, the Giants may be looking at a different option: Jackson Dart from Ole Miss. Paul Schwartz reports that Dart could be the QB3 on the Giants' draft board, potentially making him a target in the second round.

Dart's College Career

After transferring from USC, Dart found success at Ole Miss under head coach Lane Kiffin. His stats improved from 2023 to 2024:

• Completion percentage increased
• Touchdown passes increased
• Decision-making improved

Dart finished his Ole Miss career as the school's all-time leader in:

• Wins (28)
• Passing yards (10,617)
• Total offensive yards (12,017)

Strengths and Weaknesses

Dart's game has several appealing qualities:

• Throws with great touch
• Can layer the ball to all levels of the field
• Excellent deep ball thrower
• Good anticipation
• Underrated runner
• Competitive toughness

However, there are areas where Dart needs to improve:

• Mental processing (rarely had to go beyond his first or second read)
• Decision-making (can be reckless over the middle)
• Footwork (needs refinement)
• Performance in obvious passing situations

Expert Analysis

Dane Brugler offers this assessment of Dart:

"He needs time to develop his progression-based reads and anticipation (things he wasn't asked to do regularly in college), but Dart is a natural thrower of the football with promising mobility and high-level competitive intangibles."

Brugler ranks Dart as his QB3 and the 57th overall player on his big board.

Is Dart the Right Fit for the Giants?

While Dart has potential, there are questions about whether he's the right choice for the Giants at pick 34:

1. Will he still be available at that spot?
2. Is he ready to play immediately if needed?
3. Do the Giants have a veteran QB in place to allow Dart time to develop?

Dart likely needs time to sit and learn before being thrust into NFL action. The Giants would need to have a solid plan in place to avoid rushing him onto the field before he's ready.

The Giants' Draft Strategy

As the draft approaches, the Giants face some crucial decisions:

1. Do they prioritize a quarterback early, or wait for a prospect like Dart in the second round?
2. Is Abdul Carter too good to pass up if he's available at their first-round pick?
3. How does Kayvon Thibodeaux's potential fifth-year option impact their draft strategy?

Regarding Thibodeaux, Schwartz reports that the Giants are "strongly leaning towards picking up Thibodeaux's option" before the May 1st deadline. This would pay Thibodeaux $16.1 million for the 2026 season.

Conclusion

The 2025 NFL Draft presents the New York Giants with an opportunity to add impact players who could shape the franchise's future. Whether they opt for a pass-rushing phenom like Abdul Carter or a developmental quarterback prospect like Jackson Dart, the decisions made in this draft will have far-reaching consequences for the team.

As we approach draft day, Giants fans should keep a close eye on these prospects and any new rumors that emerge. The team's front office has shown a willingness to be aggressive and creative in building the roster, and this draft could be another pivotal moment in their ongoing rebuild.

Whether you're excited about the possibility of adding Carter to an already strong pass rush or intrigued by Dart's potential as a franchise quarterback, one thing is certain: the 2025 NFL Draft will be a crucial event for the New York Giants and their fans.

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