New York Giants 2025 NFL Draft: Analyzing Mel Kiper's A- Grade

The New York Giants' 2025 NFL Draft Class

The 2025 NFL Draft has concluded, and draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has released his grades for all 32 teams. The New York Giants received an impressive A- grade from Kiper, placing them among the top performers in this year's draft. Let's dive into the Giants' draft class and examine why Kiper views it so favorably.

The Giants' Draft Picks

1. Round 1, Pick 3: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
2. Round 1, Pick 32 (via trade): Jackson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
3. Round 3, Pick 65: Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
4. Round 4, Pick 105: Cam Scataboo, RB, Arizona State
5. Round 5, Pick 138: Marcus Bo, OG, Purdue
6. Round 7, Pick 225: Thomas Fedoni II, TE, Nebraska
7. Round 7, Pick 251: Corey Black, CB, Oklahoma State

Kiper's Assessment

Mel Kiper had high praise for the Giants' draft, stating, "Giants fans should feel a lot better about their favorite team's future." He emphasized that this was a critical draft for head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, given the team's struggles in the previous season.

Key Quotes from Kiper:

• "I like what the team did Thursday night getting edge rusher Abdul Carter early and then trading up to take Jackson Dart."
• "Carter is a special talent who finished as my number two overall prospect. He could be an instant star boosting a pass rush that is already the strength of the roster."
• "While I graded Shador Sanders higher than Dart, it's clear Daboll and Schoen disagreed. Dart, my number 28 ranked prospect, has a lot of potential, but I don't think he will have a Jayden Daniels-like rookie season."
• "I like New York's moves throughout the rest of the draft, too. It added Darius Alexander, a do-it-all defensive tackle who fits well next to Dexter Lawrence in round three. I expect him to make an impact as a rookie."
• "Running back Cam Scataboo can punish defenses between the tackles. Marcus Bo is my favorite guard in the class and the Giants got him nearly two rounds later than where I had him rated."

Breaking Down the Giants' Draft Picks

Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

The Giants' first selection, Abdul Carter, is expected to make an immediate impact on the team's pass rush. At 6'4" and 250 pounds, Carter possesses the size, speed, and athleticism to be a dominant force off the edge. His addition to a defensive line that already includes Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux could potentially make the Giants' pass rush one of the most formidable in the NFL.

Jackson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

The Giants made a bold move by trading back into the first round to select Jackson Dart. While Kiper had Shador Sanders rated higher, he acknowledges Dart's potential. The Ole Miss quarterback brings toughness, playmaking ability, and a strong arm to the Giants' offense.

Dart's Key Attributes:

1. Toughness and grit
2. Big-play generator
3. Dual-threat capability
4. Strong arm
5. Good anticipation

While Dart may not start immediately, sitting behind veterans like Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston could benefit his development. The Giants are likely hoping Dart can become their franchise quarterback by 2026.

Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

Kiper expects third-round pick Darius Alexander to make an immediate impact alongside Dexter Lawrence. At 6'4" and over 300 pounds, Alexander brings size, strength, and pass-rushing ability to the interior of the Giants' defensive line. His maturity (he'll be 25 when the season starts) suggests he's ready to contribute right away.

Cam Scataboo, RB, Arizona State

Fourth-round selection Cam Scataboo adds a physical presence to the Giants' backfield. Kiper notes his ability to "punish defenses between the tackles." Scataboo's combination of vision, power, and receiving ability could make him a valuable asset in the Giants' offense.

Marcus Bo, OG, Purdue

Kiper considers Marcus Bo his favorite guard in the draft class, making him excellent value in the fifth round. Bo's versatility could see him compete for playing time at multiple positions along the offensive line. There's even speculation that the Giants might try him at tackle initially.

Thomas Fedoni II, TE, Nebraska

Seventh-round pick Thomas Fedoni II is an intriguing prospect at tight end. Despite battling injuries early in his college career, Fedoni showcased impressive athleticism in pre-draft testing. His potential as a pass-catcher in a more diverse offensive system could make him a draft steal.

Corey Black, CB, Oklahoma State

The Giants' final selection, Corey Black, brings speed (4.34 40-yard dash) and special teams ability to the roster. While he may need development as a cover corner, his athleticism and physicality make him an intriguing prospect with immediate special teams value.

Analyzing the Giants' Draft Strategy

The Giants' 2025 draft class reflects a clear strategy focused on:

1. Strengthening the pass rush: Abdul Carter and Darius Alexander add firepower to an already strong defensive front.
2. Finding a potential franchise QB: Trading up for Jackson Dart shows the Giants' commitment to solving their quarterback situation.
3. Adding physicality: Picks like Cam Scataboo and Marcus Bo bring toughness to both sides of the ball.
4. Balancing immediate impact and future potential: While some picks (Carter, Alexander) can contribute immediately, others (Dart, Fedoni) have high ceilings for future development.
5. Value and versatility: The Giants found good value throughout the draft, particularly with Marcus Bo in the fifth round.

Potential Impact on the 2025 Season

While it's premature to predict exact outcomes, this draft class has the potential to significantly impact the Giants' performance in 2025:

1. Improved pass rush: The addition of Abdul Carter could elevate the Giants' pass rush from good to elite, putting more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
2. Stronger run defense: Darius Alexander should help shore up the interior defensive line, making it tougher for opponents to run the ball.
3. More physical offense: Cam Scataboo adds a punishing element to the running game, which could help control the clock and wear down defenses.
4. Offensive line depth: Marcus Bo provides valuable depth and competition along the offensive line, potentially improving protection and run blocking.
5. Future at quarterback: While Jackson Dart may not start immediately, his presence gives the Giants a potential long-term solution at the most important position.

Long-term Outlook

The true value of this draft class will be determined over the next few years, but early indications suggest the Giants have laid a solid foundation for future success. Key factors to watch include:

1. Jackson Dart's development: His progress will be crucial in determining the overall success of this draft class.
2. Abdul Carter's impact: If Carter can become a dominant pass rusher, he could transform the Giants' defense.
3. Offensive line improvement: Marcus Bo's development could be key in solidifying the offensive line.
4. Running game effectiveness: Cam Scataboo's ability to contribute in both the running and passing game could add a new dimension to the offense.
5. Depth and special teams: Late-round picks like Thomas Fedoni II and Corey Black could provide valuable depth and special teams contributions.

Conclusion

Mel Kiper's A- grade for the New York Giants' 2025 NFL Draft appears justified based on the potential impact and value of their selections. The combination of immediate contributors and high-upside prospects addresses several key needs while also planning for the future.

While draft grades are inherently speculative, the Giants' approach in this draft shows a clear vision for building a tough, physical team with the potential for explosive plays on both sides of the ball. If these picks develop as hoped, particularly Jackson Dart at quarterback, this draft could be remembered as a pivotal moment in the franchise's history.

Ultimately, the true measure of this draft class will be determined on the field in the coming seasons. Giants fans have reason for optimism, but patience may be required as some of these young players develop and find their roles in the NFL.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arDe5kY8PjE