The New York Giants are coming off a last place finish in the NFC East. Will the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft as well as the rest of the draft class help propel the team to compete more than expected in 2025?
The question mark for the Giants is still at the quarterback position. In signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, they will at the very least have veterans in place who could lead the offense. It must be better than a year ago, right?
With the success of 2024 draft picks Malik Nabers and running back Tyrone Tracey offensively, the key for the Giants entering the draft was to continue to build on offense and get even better on a defense that may have to carry the team until the offense catches up.
New York Giants address top needs:
The Giants passed up on a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick and added Abdul Carter to the defense. Given the lack of talent in the draft at QB, the Giants went with a sure bet at No. 3 and traded back into the first round to take a QB talent in Jaxson Dart who could challenge for that starting role and be the team’s future at the position. For the Giants to compete in 2025, they need other rookies to step up and make impacts in key positions.
Here are 3 rookies to watch for the New York Giants:
Round 1, Pick No. 3– Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State: It’s not about whether Abdul Carter will make an impact in Year 1 with the Giants, it’s how much of an impact he will make.
Selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, this generational defensive talent has the making of a difference maker on the Giants defense. Whether he is playing inside linebacker or outside, Carter has the tools to be a quarterbacks’ worst nightmare especially in a front-seven that features Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. He will be a force to be reckoned with given his size, speed, athleticism and hunger. Defensive Player of the Year candidate? You better believe it.
Round 4, Pick No. 105 – Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State: The Arizona State star will carry his underdog mentality to the NFL and should contribute immediately. In a backfield that features last year’s mid-round pick Tyrone Tracey, Skattebo will earn his snaps in some capacity if not at running back.
Given his balance as a runner and versatility as a football player, Skattebo proved at Arizona State that he can contribute within an offense no matter where he lines up. It will be interesting to see how the Giants use Skattebo who could play fullback or even lineup as a tight end. As a player who “loves the game of football”, Skattebo will find a way to spark the Giants’ offense and excite the fandom.
Round 5, Pick 154– Marcus Mbow, G, Purdue: The Giants got themselves a steal in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the selection of Purdue’s Marcus Mbow who was projected to go much earlier in the draft. Another talent who slipped due to medical concerns, Mbow is a player who will have veteran guard Greg Van Roten looking over his shoulder as the starting right guard…as long as he remains healthy.
At 6-foot-4, 303 pounds, Mbow not only brings size and power to the Giants’ offensive line depth chart, but he also always brings versatility. So, even if he is not a starter, he should at least be a viable rotational guard who will make his presence known as the season progresses. In all, his blocking in the run game will be beneficial with him creating lanes for Tyrone Tracy and Skattebo.