If you haven't heard already, the New York Giants' future is here after the team added Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter via the NFL Draft last month.
Dart joins an ascending offense and a quarterback room led by veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. The former Ole Miss signal-caller is a promising player the team hopes will eventually become the franchise's long-term solution at quarterback.
On the other hand, Carter joins arguably the best front seven in the NFL, consisting of Dexter Lawrence II, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. If you're an opposing quarterback or offensive lineman, you may be up at night thinking about how to stop that pass rush.
Since arriving in New York, Carter has received much praise from several NFL alums and analysts. Many believe he will have an impactful rookie campaign, which could result in him walking away with some hardware.
Carter is the favorite to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award this year, and he just received another vote from a guy who knows a thing or two about getting a career off to a strong start.
Shawne Merriman predicts Abdul Carter will win this year's DROY award
Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman joined NFL Network's Good Morning Football on Tuesday, where he spoke highly of the Giants' rookie edge rusher.
"I believe Abdul Carter is going to be the Defensive Rookie of the Year," Merriman said. "Just what he can do on the field right now, you can put him on there, and he can learn everything else. A guy that is that explosive, you can put him on the field and he's going to make plays regardless. I just like this kid's mentality."
Merriman was drafted 12th overall in 2005 by the San Diego Chargers and would record 10 sacks in 15 games during the rookie season. The former Maryland Terrapin went on to be named the DROY.
He earned First-Team All-Pro Honors as the NFL sack leader in 2006 with 17.5 while playing only 12 games. Merriman totaled 258 tackles, 45.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 20 pass deflections, and one interception in eight injure-ridden seasons.
Last year at Penn State, Carter registered 12 sacks and a nation-high 23.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and four passes defended, leading to being named Unanimous All-American and first-team All-Big Ten. If Carter can be anything like he was at Penn State or Merriman was in his rookie campaign this year, we're in for a treat.