When the New York Giants selected Abdul Carter third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, there was a collective sigh of relief from Big Blue Nation. There were other moves Joe Schoen could have made and other players he could have drafted, but he went with the best-player-available approach — and it landed the Giants the top pass rusher in the draft class.
It already looks like Carter is living up to the hype. A video surfaced from OTAs where Carter, lined up inside, beat his man with an ungodly spin move and got to the quarterback in what felt like a nanosecond. For anyone expecting anything less during mandatory minicamp, you’re going to be disappointed.
Thibodeaux all but confirmed that Carter is performing incredibly well, and expectations are about as sky-high as humanly possible. But that’s what happens when you impress a former top-five pick with the elite toolbox of an All-Pro — and he shares his excitement audibly. Carter didn’t leave KT speechless, but he did leave him with a one-word compliment after his first day of camp.
Giants rookie Abdul Carter is impressing his new teammates early and often
Thibs spoke with the media after Day 1 of mandatory minicamp, and his response to a reporter asking about Carter will have fans fired up and opposing quarterbacks looking for cover:
"Man, he's a beast, he said about Carter. "He's been doing his thing — he's fast, explosive, smart — I'm excited ... Excited to have another guy to add to the gauntlet."
"Man, he's a beast...excited to have another guy to add to the gauntlet"
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) June 17, 2025
Kayvon Thibodeaux on Abdul Carter: pic.twitter.com/ksj5oukfqo
KT’s “he’s a beast” comment shouldn’t ring hollow. There was legitimate production to match the one-word compliment. We’re not talking player speak here. Carter might need to change zip codes because, according to SNY’s Connor Hughes, the 21-year-old “had a VERY active day.” The rookie recorded two sacks and nearly had himself another on his fellow rookie, Jaxson Dart.
So, it’s confirmed: Abdul Carter is going to be a terror in opposing backfields. It’s not overly surprising. His last season at Penn State saw him record 24 tackles for loss and 12 sacks… that is insane. To pull from KT, that is beast-like.
If this is June Abdul Carter, imagine what September Abdul Carter looks like... and then what January Abdul Carter could look like. The rest of the league might want to start game-planning now, because the Giants didn’t just add another piece to the gauntlet. They might’ve unleashed their next defensive nightmare.