The New York Giants rookies are set for the 2025 season, with Abdul Carter officially donning jersey number 51 for rookie minicamp. The number, previously worn by Azeez Ojulari, may not be permanent as it can change. Abdul Carter, the No. 3 overall draft pick, had sought the iconic No. 56, retired in honor of Lawrence Taylor, and the No. 11, previously worn by Phil Simms, but both requests were denied. Carter, however, remains unfazed and is ready to make his mark with the Giants' formidable defensive lineup, which includes stars like Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence.

Abdul Carter has chosen to wear No. 51 with the New York Giants after considering the legendary numbers of Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms. Initially, he sought permission to don Taylor's famous No. 56 but was advised against it. Simms' No. 11 was also off-limits, leaving Carter to settle on 51, which has a rich history with the team. Carter, a standout linebacker at Penn State, is eager to forge his own legacy in the NFL.

His decision reflects a blend of respect for Giants legends and a desire to establish his own identity. Carter aims to break new ground while embracing the legacy of his predecessors. As he dons his new number, the pressure will be on him to deliver impressive performances as a rookie. His transition from college to the NFL comes with high expectations.

Abdul Carter, the New York Giants' first-round draft pick, has officially chosen jersey number 51 for his rookie season. After unsuccessful attempts to claim retired numbers 56 and 11, previously worn by legends Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms, Carter has opted for the number last donned by linebacker Azeez Ojulari, who has since moved to the Philadelphia Eagles. As rookie minicamp approaches, Carter is set to don his new number alongside other rookies who have selected their own numbers as well.

The rookie class of 2025 includes names like Jaxson Dart (No. 6), Darius Alexander (No. 91), and Korie Black (No. 25). While jersey numbers can change during the offseason, Carter seems committed to keeping No. 51 as he prepares to take the field in East Rutherford.

The New York Giants made a significant impact during the 2025 NFL Draft, securing elite pass rusher Abdul Carter as the No. 3 overall pick and trading back into the first round to acquire Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at pick No. 25. Both players are viewed as future cornerstones for the franchise.

Jaxson Dart, lauded by head coach Brian Daboll as a long-term franchise option, expressed excitement about teaming up with Carter, describing him as the "best guy I've played against." Dart's collegiate statistics highlight his potential, with 11,970 passing yards and 81 touchdowns across 45 games. Meanwhile, Carter, with a robust college career at Penn State, recorded impressive numbers including 23 sacks and 41 tackles for loss.

The New York Giants are facing a pivotal moment regarding their edge rusher strategy, especially with the emergence of Abdul Carter, a promising talent from Penn State. This has sparked speculation about the future of Kayvon Thibodeaux, the team's former top draft pick. Despite his potential, Thibodeaux has not met expectations entirely, leading him to be tagged as a potential trade candidate. The Giants have recently exercised his fifth-year option, which adds to the complexity of his situation. Notably, his expected cap relief of $14.75 million in 2026 makes him a more attractive trade option for other franchises.

Specifically, Carolina and Green Bay have been mentioned as possible landing spots for Thibodeaux, especially considering his recent performance, which includes 11.5 sacks last season. As the Giants look towards the 2025 season, maintaining a strong pass-rushing line is essential, even as they evaluate Thibodeaux's fit alongside Carter. The intrigue surrounding these moves could significantly influence fantasy drafts, especially for teams looking to capitalize on defensive strengths.