The 2025 NFL Draft represented a seismic shift for the New York Giants. With the benefit of a full season of hindsight as we move into the 2026 cycle, it is clear that General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll viewed that specific draft as the definitive moment to reset the franchise's trajectory. Armed with high draft capital and a willingness to be aggressive, the Giants addressed their most glaring needs: a premier pass rusher and a potential long-term solution at quarterback.

The defensive cornerstone: Abdul Carter (Round 1, Pick 3)

Selecting Abdul Carter with the third overall pick was a statement move. Coming out of Penn State, Carter was often compared to legendary Nittany Lion defenders, but within the Giants' building, the comparisons leaned toward franchise icons. He became the third defensive player selected by the team in the top three during the common draft era, joining the elite company of Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks.

Carter's collegiate production was nothing short of elite. In his final season, he led the FBS with 23.5 tackles for loss and ranked seventh nationally with 12.0 sacks. His transition to the professional level was predicated on his rare blend of explosive first-step quickness and the versatility to operate both as a pure edge rusher and an off-ball linebacker. The decision to pair him with existing talent on the defensive front suggested a commitment to a "pressure-first" defensive identity. Early indications from his rookie campaign showed that his ability to disrupt backfields translated effectively, validating his status as a unanimous All-American prospect.

The franchise gamble: Jaxson Dart (Round 1, Pick 25)

Perhaps the most pivotal moment of the 2025 draft for the Giants was the trade back into the first round. By striking a deal with the Houston Texans, the Giants secured the 25th overall pick to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. The cost was significant, involving the 34th and 99th picks in 2025, plus a 2026 third-round selection, but the internal valuation of Dart made the price palatable.

Dart arrived in New York with a record-breaking pedigree. He eclipsed Eli Manning’s career passing yardage record at Ole Miss, finishing with 10,617 yards. More importantly for the Giants' offensive scheme, Dart led the FBS in 1,517 passing yards and 17 touchdowns on deep passes (20+ air yards) in his final collegiate year. This vertical threat was something the Giants' offense had lacked for several seasons. The connection to the Manning family—Dart having been a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy—added a layer of narrative symmetry, but his on-field performance in 2025 was what truly mattered. Dart's rookie year was characterized by a learning curve in pocket management, yet his arm talent and winning percentage at the college level (.737) provided a foundation of confidence for the coaching staff.

Bolstering the trenches: Darius Alexander (Round 3, Pick 65)

On Day 2, the Giants turned their attention back to the defensive interior. Darius Alexander, the 6-foot-4, 305-pound tackle from Toledo, was selected to provide size and raw power. Alexander was a standout at the NFL Scouting Combine, recording 28 reps on the bench press, the second-most among defensive tackles in his class.

His selection was part of a broader league trend in 2025, which saw a record-tying 27 defensive tackles taken across the seven rounds. Alexander brought a unique highlight reel to New York, including a 58-yard interception return for a touchdown in his final bowl game. For the Giants, his role was envisioned as a rotational piece who could eventually develop into a three-down starter. His physical metrics—specifically his lower-body explosion—allowed him to hold the point of attack against NFL-caliber guards, providing the necessary support for Abdul Carter and the other edge rushers to operate in space.

Finding value on Day 3: Skattebo and Mbow

The later rounds of the 2025 draft focused on adding specialized skill sets and offensive line depth.

Cam Skattebo, RB (Round 4, Pick 105): Skattebo was selected out of Arizona State to add a different dimension to the backfield. Known for his rugged running style and ability to contribute in the passing game, he was viewed as a high-floor player who could handle short-yardage situations and pass protection duties. In an era where backfield committees are the norm, Skattebo’s versatility made him a valuable Day 3 find.

Marcus Mbow, OL (Round 5, Pick 154): Acquired via a pick from Seattle, Mbow brought experience from Purdue. The Giants’ offensive line had been a work in progress for years, and Mbow represented a low-risk, high-reward developmental prospect. His collegiate tape showed a player comfortable at both guard and tackle, providing the "swing" capability that is essential for roster flexibility during a grueling 17-game season.

Rounding out the 2025 class

The Giants concluded their draft with two seventh-round selections aimed at special teams and depth:

  • Thomas Fidone II, TE (Round 7, Pick 219): A former high-end recruit whose college career was hampered by injuries. Selecting him was a bet on his medical outlook and the raw receiving talent that made him a standout in high school.
  • Korie Black, CB (Round 7, Pick 246): Obtained through a trade with Buffalo, Black was a lengthy corner from Oklahoma State. His addition was a nod to the need for perimeter depth and special teams gunner potential.

Strategic analysis: The Schoen philosophy

The 2025 Giants draft picks reflected a clear evolution in Joe Schoen’s draft philosophy. Prior to 2025, Schoen had leanings toward certain positions, but 2025 marked the first time he used a first-round pick on a quarterback. The positional breakdown of his tenure through this draft shows a heavy emphasis on the "spine" of the team: 5 offensive linemen, 5 cornerbacks, and now a definitive investment in the QB and Edge positions.

The trade with Houston for Jaxson Dart was the defining gamble. It signaled that the organization was no longer content with "bridge" options and was ready to tether its future to a young signal-caller with elite vertical efficiency. By pairing Dart with a blue-chip defender like Abdul Carter, the Giants attempted to fix both sides of the ball simultaneously.

One year later: Impact and trajectory

Looking back at the giants draft picks 2025 from our current vantage point in 2026, the success of this class is largely tied to the development of the two first-rounders. Abdul Carter has largely lived up to the billing, providing the consistent pressure required in the modern NFL. His 23.5 TFLs in college weren't a fluke; they were a precursor to his role as a disruptive force in the NFC East.

Jaxson Dart’s trajectory remains the most scrutinized storyline in New York. While the transition from the SEC to the NFL is never seamless, his record-breaking passing yardage at Ole Miss and his experience under pressure have served him well. The Giants' decision to move up for him, sacrificing significant capital, suggests that they viewed 2025 as the last year they could afford to wait on a franchise quarterback.

The contributions of mid-round picks like Darius Alexander and Cam Skattebo have provided the roster with much-needed depth. Alexander’s ability to eat blocks has indirectly improved the tackle numbers of the linebacker corps, while Skattebo has carved out a niche as a reliable third-down option.

The bottom line

The 2025 draft was not just about adding players; it was about defining an era. The Giants draft picks 2025 represent a calculated effort to increase the team's ceiling. By moving away from conservative drafting and embracing the risk of a first-round quarterback trade, the Giants front office signaled to the fan base that the period of rebuilding was over and the era of contention had begun. As these players enter their second and third seasons, the ripples of those April 2025 decisions will continue to shape the franchise for years to come.