Abdul Carter, the standout outside linebacker for the New York Giants, is emerging as the favorite for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, currently listed at +250 by BETMGM. This puts him ahead of competitors like Travis Hunter (+750) and Jalon Walker, among others. Carter’s impressive college stats include 172 tackles and 23 sacks over three seasons, indicating his strong capability to pressure quarterbacks, a skill he is expected to translate to the NFL effectively.

The Giants' roster also boasts strong defensive players such as Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence II, which might complicate Carter's path to consistent playing time. However, his versatility as a pass rusher could make him essential to the Giants' defensive scheme as they strive to improve their performance this season.

The New York Giants have solidified their defensive identity by selecting Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter in the most recent draft. General Manager Joe Schoen previously made significant moves by extending Kayvon Thibodeaux's fifth-year option and securing Dexter Lawrence with a hefty $90 million deal. The recent acquisition of Carter, touted as the draft's top pass rusher, signals the Giants' commitment to a dominating defensive line.

Abdul Carter expressed excitement about joining a formidable group of players that includes Thibodeaux and newly acquired Brian Burns, who has already made a noticeable impact on Thibodeaux's performance. Despite a dip in sack totals last season, Thibodeaux's overall effectiveness improved significantly, a trend Carter hopes to enhance further. With a projected increase in sack totals, the Giants' defense looks to be a force to reckon with.

The New York Giants solidified their defensive line during the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Darius Alexander, a defensive tackle from Toledo, with their first pick in the third round (65th overall). This decision came after they originally entered the draft with three picks but pivoted focus to address their biggest need alongside Dexter Lawrence. With Alexander’s immediate impact potential, the Giants expect to enhance their run and pass defense significantly.

Alexander expressed enthusiasm about playing next to Lawrence, recognizing the opportunity to learn from the star player. He aims to leverage the double-teams that Lawrence attracts to make crucial plays himself. The Giants' defense is expected to be even more formidable with the addition of Alexander, particularly with an already strong pass-rush led by Lawrence and fellow edge rushers like Kayvon Thibodeaux.

The New York Giants made a significant addition to their defensive front, selecting Toledo's Darius Alexander in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. General Manager Joe Schoen emphasized the need for depth behind star Dexter Lawrence II, whose absence exposes vulnerabilities in their defensive line. Alexander, a 3-technique defensive tackle, boasts impressive size and athleticism, standing nearly 6'4" and weighing 315 pounds with long arms. His performance at the Senior Bowl and positive evaluations from the coaching staff have raised expectations for his development and impact on the team's run defense.

With nine defensive linemen already under contract, Schoen expressed excitement about the depth and versatility this rookie brings to the unit. The addition of Alexander, along with the existing talent, aims to bolster the Giants' ability to stop the run and create mismatches on third downs. Training camp promises to be competitive as coaches assess how best to utilize their diverse array of defensive players.

The 2024 NFL season proved disastrous for the New York Giants, culminating in a 3-14 record. Their struggles were evident across both offense and defense, with the team unable to secure consistent quarterback play, whether from Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, Drew Lock, or Tim Boyle. The Giants managed to score over 20 points only five times throughout the season and topped 30 points just once. Despite possessing a strong defensive line, highlighted by Dexter Lawrence, they struggled to stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks. A late win against the Indianapolis Colts ironically placed them third in the upcoming NFL Draft, complicating their search for a future quarterback amid a roster filled with holes.