Giants biggest breakout star is impossible to ignore (and everyone knows it)

The New York Giants’ 2025 season will likely go as far as their defensive front takes them. And that front is loaded. From proven vets like Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns, to prove-it players like Kayvon Thibodeaux and Chauncey Golston, to the rising talents headlined by Abdul Carter and Darius Alexander—this group is dangerous.

If the G-Men are going to make real noise this year, it’s going to be because their defense dictates games. That pressure starts up front. And Carter, the third overall pick in this year’s draft, might just be the one who turns a good unit into something unstoppable.

He’s not just catching attention in New York, either. The Athletic recently named him the Giants’ top breakout candidate for 2025. For a rookie to earn that kind of praise in a loaded group, he's clearly making a good impression.

Abdul Carter is making his role clear before the pads even come on

There’s still plenty to prove once the pads come on, but Carter has already flashed the traits that made him such a high draft pick:

"The caveat is that it’s hard to get a sense of just how dominant a trenches player can be without pads in the spring, but Carter showed the flashes of why he was the No. 3 pick this year," Carroll wrote. "He has the potential to be a game-wrecker, and the Giants’ outside linebacker room should be its strongest position group thanks to veterans Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux."

That’s exactly why New York made him their top priority on draft night.

Carter is widely regarded as the best pure pass rusher of the 2025 class. The 21-year-old has the bend and athleticism offensive coordinators lose sleep over. He can play off-ball, on the edge, or line up inside. His versatility knows no bounds

During his last season at Penn State, he practically lived in the backfield. He had 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss in his first full season off the edge. Just think about how much more he has to offer.

The rookie hasn't even played a real snap yet, but you wouldn't know it based on how he's dominated the offseason program so far. It's obvious he's clear for a big season.

He’ll need to keep sharpening his hand technique and stay disciplined against the run, but those are teachable. What can’t be taught is everything else he’s already shown.

Carter’s going to play early, and he’s going to play often. The staff has made it clear this isn’t a wait-and-see project. He’s already earned their trust, and with the kind of talent around him, he has a considerable amount of runway. He just needs to keep doing what he’s done every step of the way—blow up opposing offenses.

If Carter breaks out the way most expect, it won’t feel like a breakout at all. It’ll somehow feel overdue.