The Giants hit big on rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers when they selected him with the sixth overall pick a season ago. This year, they’re hoping they can do that once again, this time with a top-three pick in the draft. Knowing that the Titans will more than likely take the class’ top quarterback, New York should be able to land a blue-chip prospect on either side of the ball, now that they aren’t also tied to drafting a quarterback thanks to the signing of Russell Wilson.
Thus far through the first two picks of our community mock draft, the Titans did in fact take quarterback Cam Ward first overall while the Browns chose to take Colorado’s Travis Hunter with the second overall pick.
With Penn State’s Abdul Carter left on the board, Big Blue View’s Ed Valentine wasted little time in running this one up to the virtual podium as the Giants are taking the best edge rusher in the class.
3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Valentine: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders might have been the expected pick here, but I could not take a guy at No. 3 who would be QB3 and inactive Week 1 when the season begins. I am taking Carter, the best player on the board and a guy who can help the Giants win now in a crucial 2025 season. I will figure out the QB of the future later.
Analysis: With the Titans taking the class’ top quarterback prospect, the Browns had every opportunity to grab the best defensive player in the class. However, Jared Mueller of Dawgs By Nature chose to go with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in Travis Hunter over Carter as the former would help fill two roster holes as opposed to just one. With that selection, the Giants can sprint this card up to the podium to select Carter. He’ll get the chance to pair with both Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux which immediately gives the Giants one of the best edge-rushing trios in the entire league.
The Giants have other needs across their roster, but any team would be a fool not to take Carter here. If he’s anything like Micah Parsons has been early in his career, this pick is an absolute home run on a softball pitch.
Top five remaining players:
- Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
- Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
- Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
- Will Campbell, OT, LSU
- Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The top two defenders are now off the board through the first three picks. The New England Patriots are up next with the chance to continue building the offense around second-year passer Drake Maye or further reinforce the defense to help take the pressure off of him. With names like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Michigan’s Mason Graham still available, the Patriots will surely be able to land a blue-chip prospect regardless of which side of the ball they choose to lean towards in round one.
