The most eventful three days of the NFL offseason are here: the NFL Draft. Between April 24 and 26th, 257 young athletes achieve their dream of becoming an NFL Draft pick. During this time, fans eagerly await to see what type of potential generational talent could join their rosters. Few teams have been talked about during this time like the New York Giants. Entering this offseason with both head coach Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen on the hot seat, both men needed luck to preserve their jobs. Fortunately, the third overall pick gave the team options at multiple positions. Let us examine the 2025 NFL Draft Class for the New York Giants.
2025 NFL Draft Grades: New York Giants
First Round/Third Overall Pick: Abdul Carter, outside linebacker, Penn State
Despite extensive research committed to quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the Giants opt to go with the best defensive linemen in the draft. Joe Schoen opts for Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. Gifted with an exceptional first-step speed, Carter was a force on the line of scrimmage. The All-American had a dominant season with 12 sacks and 68 total tackles. Carter has been recovering from a foot injury during the College Football Playoff, but the edge rusher is expected to be fully recovered by training camp. By pairing Abdul Carter opposite Brian Burns, the New York Giants defense has an explosive duo off the edge for years. However, questions will arise trying to put Carter and 2022 fifth overall pick, Kayvon Thibodeaux, on the field together.
Grade: A+
First Round/25th Overall Pick: Jaxson Dart, quarterback, Ole Miss
Despite Shedeur Sanders being on the board, the Giants opt for a different quarterback. After acquiring the 25th pick from the Houston Texans, New York selects Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart. Through his three seasons as a starter, Dart progressed each season, throwing 72 touchdowns through 38 games as a starter. Physically, Dart possesses all the tools to be a stable starting quarterback. However, Brian Daboll must ensure he gets Dart to understand a playbook while learning behind Russell Wilson & Jameis Winston. Unfortunately, Dart is facing an uphill battle even if he sees the field. Barring a breakout performance, what keeps a new HC and GM committed to Dart if Dabboll and Schoen are fired?
Grade: B
Third Round/65th Overall Pick: Darius Alexander, defensive tackle, Toledo
Joe Schoen remains committed to improving in the trenches. After adding Carter to provide pressure off the edge, the Giants add an interior defensive lineman. Despite some minor technical issues, Darius Alexander has the explosiveness to thrive at 6’4″ and 310 lbs. A four-year starter at Toledo, Alexander disrupted plays in the backfield, becoming All-MAC second team this past season. While he will be used as a rotational piece early, playing next to Dexter Lawrence gives Alexander a valuable mentor.
Grade A
Fourth Round/105th overall pick: Cam Skattebo, running back, Arizona State
After adding their potential quarterback of the future, New York adds a dynamic playmaker in the backfield. After becoming a focal point of the Sun Devils offense, running back Cam Skattebo is bringing that Arizona State fire with him to New Jersey. Between his two seasons at ASU, Skattebo ran for nearly 2,500 yards with 30 touchdowns. In addition, Skattebo is an electric receiver with nearly 900 yards on 69 receptions with four touchdowns. Due to his strong frame and versatility, the Giants backfield just added a premier talent next to Tyrone Tracy.
Grade: A+
Fifth Round/154th Overall Pick: Marcus Mbow, guard, Purdue
To ensure Dart and Skattebo’s long-term success, the Giants needed to add to their interior offensive line depth. Fortunately, they landed an immediate contributor in Marcus Mbow. With experience both at offensive tackle and guard, Mbow offers positional versatility that New York needs. If allowed to compete, Mbow could wind up winning the right guard job this summer.
Grade: B+
Seventh Round/219th Overall Pick: Thomas Fidone II, tight end, Nebraska
Addressing depth at the tight end room, the Giants add Thomas Fidone II. As a two-year starter out of Nebraska, Fidone recovered from early knee injuries to become useful in Nebraska’s offense. Despite recording no touchdowns this season, Fidone was productive with Dylan Raiola, catching 36 passes for 373 yards. To improve as a blocker, he’ll need to add some weight. However, he plays with a willingness and aggression that will allow him to compete for the backup tight end job.
Grade: B
Seventh Round/246th Overall Pick: Korie Black, cornerback, Oklahoma State
The Giants round out their strong draft, adding Korie Black. A cornerback from Oklahoma State, he was a three-year starter and offers good size in the secondary. He’s going to be competing for special teams snaps.
Grade: C
Overall Thoughts:
With job security in question, the New York Giants needed a great draft to keep Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll in town. Fortunately, they’ve done just that. Abdul Carter provides Big Blue with another dominant playmaker off the edge. While questions remain on how he will adjust to an NFL offense, Jaxson Dart has the tools to develop into a long-term starting quarterback. However, providing the offense with versatile running back Cam Skattebo was a stroke of genius. The addition of Darius Alexander provides the interior of the defensive line with a playmaker next to Dexter Lawrence. In addition, Mbow has the makings of a starting right guard. The pressure was on for the Giants in a competitive NFC East, and they delivered.
Overall Grade: A-
Main Photo: [Thomas Salus] – USA Today Sports
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