For a piece published Tuesday, ESPN NFL analyst Ben Solak named the New York Giants as “almost certainly the best fit for” Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. However, it seems likely that the Giants would ultimately select Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter over Sanders with the third pick of the 2025 draft.
In his latest mock draft, The Athletic’s Jeff Howe shared advice that unnamed NFL executives offered for Giants general manager Joe Schoen regarding his draft decision.
“It’s a no-brainer,” one executive told Howe. “You take Carter.”
In his final prospect rankings posted on April 14, ESPN’s Matt Miller named Carter the best overall player in this year’s class. Dane Brugler of The Athletic has Carter as the draft’s second-best prospect, behind Colorado cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter.
The Cleveland Browns are expected to make Hunter the draft’s second pick after the Tennessee Titans take Miami quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1.
“He’s the best player in the draft,” a different executive told Howe about the Giants getting Carter at No. 3.
Some have suggested that Carter doesn’t fill a need for a Giants team that already has Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns on its roster, which lacks a long-term answer at quarterback. That said, both Albert Breer and Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated think Sanders, seen by many as the second-best signal-caller in this year’s class, could slide out of the first round.
“If they get Abdul Carter at No. 3, that’s an absolute win,” a third executive told Howe about the Giants.
As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Carter as a massive -600 betting favorite to be the third pick of the draft on Thursday night. If the Giants pass on Sanders at No. 3, they could trade back into the first round to address the sport’s most important position.
Specifically, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe reportedly “made a strong impression on the Giants” during the pre-draft process. Milroe is likely a project for the future who should spend his rookie season learning as a backup. Big Blue could give Milroe that opportunity as the club plays Russell Wilson and/or Jameis Winston throughout the 2025 campaign.
