The NFC East is one of the NFL’s toughest divisions. In it are teams like the Dallas Cowboys, who, up until last season, have been perennial playoff contenders. The Philadelphia Eagles are the reigning Super Bowl champions. And the Washington Commanders, who are a juggernaut in the making. Each team has superstars that have led them to prosperity and are the reason they have been so successful. For Dallas, it’s players like Micah Parsons and Ceedee Lamb. In Philly, they have Jalen Carter and A.J. Brown. And in D.C., it’s none other than Jayden Daniels. Where does that leave New York? Who will be the Giants’ X-factor?
Who Will Be the New York Giants’ X-Factor in 2025?
If the Giants want to be competitive in 2025, then they need somebody to emerge from that locker room. They need somebody who can step up and lead not only with his voice but on the field as well. They need somebody who can make the play that others can’t make. The Giants need an X-factor.
But who will that X-factor be? An offensive phenom, a relentless defender, or will it be someone else? Maybe a rookie who will make his mark from the first day of mini-camp.
Elite Threats
When we think about who can be the Giants’ X-factor from an offensive standpoint, they may already have their guy. 21-year-old Mailk Nabers has shown that he already is a number one receiver. In just his rookie season in 2024, he put up astronomical numbers and broke multiple records. Nabers had the most receptions ever for a rookie with 109 and also became the youngest receiver with a multi-touchdown game in NFL history.
The first-time pro-bowler showed that he was capable of taking over games completely by himself, like against the Indianapolis Colts, where he caught seven balls for 171 yards and two touchdowns. The sky is the limit for Nabers, and it may very well be him to be the Giants’ X-factor in 2025.
A Sleeping Giant
Before talking about who the next Giants X-factor can be, Dexter Lawrence needs to be mentioned. Dex IS an X-factor and has been one for years. He is arguably the best defensive player in the NFL and most certainly the best defensive tackle. But he alone has not been enough. Someone else on that defensive line needs to step up. Luckily, there are some viable options.
Kayvon Thibodeaux, coming out of Oregon, was touted as the next big thing. He was fast, powerful and had all the tools you needed to make an elite pass rusher. Throughout the first few seasons of his career, he’s dealt with injury and a lack of help opposite him. In 2025, that should all change.
With Brian Burns now being around for his second off-season with the team and Dexter Lawrence being healthy, Kayvon should have no excuses not to put it all together and pop. He’s shown before that he can be a double-digit sack guy in a season, and he’s always shown up in the biggest moments. After the Giants declined his fifth-year option, if he doesn’t play with a rage now, he may never at all.
Can a Rookie Lead the Flock?
The last place the Giants may find their X-factor is in the draft. They have the third overall pick and the options are abundant.
Travis Hunter, the WR/CB out of Colorado, has the potential to be a superstar from day one. Never before have we seen a player so set on playing both ways in the big leagues. Imagine having a player that is great on both sides of the field, with the stamina to stay on the field. It’s a dream for a coach and quite a possibility for the New York Giants.
Abdul Carter is another option. If it looks like an elite edge rusher and acts like an elite edge rusher, he might just be an elite edge rusher. Coming out of Penn State, his player comp is Micah Parsons. The Giants had the opportunity to draft Parsons in 2021 but instead elected to trade back. Drafting Carter would rectify that mistake.
Both players have big expectations coming into the league, and if not for New York, they will be stars for other teams. Regardless of who it is, the Giants need somebody to step up in the worst way. They’re in a track race with their division rivals, and over the last few seasons, they’ve gotten lapped. It’s time for a change, and it starts with one man. The only question is, who will that be?
Main Photo: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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