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With 2025 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2025 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the New York Giants, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Who are the New York Giants rookies?
- Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)
- Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss)
- Darius Alexander (DL, Toledo)
- Cam Skattebo (RB, Arizona State)
- Marcus Mbow (OL, Purdue)
- Thomas Fidone II (TE, Nebraska)
- Korie Black (CB, Oklahoma State)
New York Giants Draft Class Grade:
The New York Giants received a B draft grade from Sharp Football.
Which Giants Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The Giants made the smart, safe move by selecting Abdul Carter (first round), choosing to take the blue chip prospect rather than reach at a position of need.
Carter is likely to start his career as a backup with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns in his way, but there will certainly be room for Carter in the rotation.
Burns is under contract through 2028, but Thibodeaux has just two years remaining on his rookie deal.
Given the pressure on the coaching staff and front office to turn things around, trading Thibodeaux probably doesn’t suit their needs right now, but if this year goes well, he would be a likely trade candidate to create an expanded role for Carter in 2026.
Drafting a quarterback out of desperation is never a good way to find your signal caller of the future, so it’s hard to praise the selection of Jaxson Dart (first round).
That said, it’s also easy to understand the selection given the pressure on Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. The team has regressed in each of their three seasons at the helm, and they have yet to draft their quarterback of the future after initially trying to make it work with Daniel Jones, a leftover from the previous regime.
In rough sketches, a comparison could be made between Dart and Josh Allen, who Daboll helped develop in Buffalo. So that’s the thread of hope the Giants are clinging to with this selection.
In the short term, Dart will back up Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, but if the Giants don’t turn into playoff contenders, Dart will need to see some action to prove the team is headed in the right direction despite the lack of wins.
Darius Alexander (third round) was a tricky prospect to evaluate because the traits are enticing, but even in the MAC, his production was inconsistent. And at the age of 25, it’s harder to buy into his developmental upside.
The third round is probably the right spot to gamble on that type of prospect, and Alexander has the ideal traits to line up at defensive end in three-man fronts, the Giants’ primary alignment.
Alexander likely serves as a backup this year, but Rakeem Nunez-Roches is in the final year of his contract, which could open up a spot for Alexander in 2026.
Cam Skattebo (fourth round) was an interesting choice given the state of New York’s depth chart.
Skattebo’s ability as a receiver should be a critical factor in his value, but the Giants literally have a former wide receiver as their starting running back.
Skattebo is unlikely to take many targets away from Tyrone Tracy Jr., which means he’ll be more valued for his early-down power running ability.
When accounting for defenders in the box and the inside/outside direction of the run, Skattebo gained 36% more yards after contact than expected last year, ranked fourth among Power Four running backs.
So Skattebo is clearly a good fit as the power runner in New York, but that's also a role that’s much easier to fill.
Marcus Mbow (fifth round) brings a versatile skill set to the offensive line. The team has said he’s going to start his career at tackle, potentially operating as the swing tackle this year, but he also has the traits to shift to guard, where he played early in his career at Purdue.
The right guard position is unsettled as of now, so that shift to the interior line could potentially come as early as this season if no one locks down that spot in training camp.
Thomas Fidone II (seventh round) is an exciting developmental tight end whose career was slowed by two ACL tears in the same knee during his time at Nebraska.
Fidone didn’t make a ton of plays with the Cornhuskers but really flashed at the combine with some impressive numbers. He may continue to show growth as a playmaker as he gets further removed from those knee surgeries.
Korie Black (seventh round) will compete for a spot on the depth chart at cornerback, but his lack of special teams experience is unusual for a late-round pick. He’ll need to carve out a role there to make the team.
Looking at this class as a whole, the Giants certainly upgraded some spots on the roster and added a few developmental prospects with upside.
However, the success of this class will ultimately be judged by Dart 一 either he turns around their fate at the quarterback position or the franchise will be forced to hit the reset button again.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
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