New York Giants 2025 Draft: Building a Blueprint for a Bright Future

The 2025 NFL Draft wasn’t just a turning point for the New York Giants — it was a statement. After an offseason swirling with questions about the futures of GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, the Giants delivered a draft class that screams, "We're here to compete now and later." Smart picks, system fits, and a renewed sense of purpose made this one of the best draft hauls across the entire league.

This wasn’t just a draft. It was a blueprint for a franchise on the rise. Across the board, the Giants made smart, high-upside selections that directly fit into their systems on both sides of the ball. Let's break it down, pick by pick.

New York Giants first-round draft picks, Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart. Photo Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images

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Round 1, Pick 6: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Carter wasn’t just a good pick — he was the pick. An absolute force of nature off the edge, Carter was arguably the best player in the entire draft and is already penciled in as a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. His fit alongside Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns, and Chauncey Golston creates a pass rush that’s downright terrifying. Carter’s athleticism and relentless motor were exactly what the Giants needed to turn their defense from "dangerous" to "downright illegal." Coordinator Shane Bowen must feel like a kid on Christmas morning.

Round 1, Pick 25: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

The Giants liked Dart so much, they traded back into the first round to get him. Maybe the most important pick for the franchise’s long-term stability. Dart gives the Giants their "quarterback of the future" without needing to rush him into the spotlight. Learning behind veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, Dart can develop at his own pace. He’s got the arm talent, the mobility, and the moxie to eventually become the face of the franchise — and maybe even surpass expectations if he picks up the NFL game quickly.

Round 3, Pick 65: Darius Alexander, DL, Missouri

Alexander feels like the steal of the draft. Powerful, twitchy, and fundamentally sound, he adds immediate depth to a defensive line that was already scary. He'll rotate in early and often, keeping the big boys fresh and giving the Giants flexibility in their fronts. Depth on the defensive line wins games in December and January. Remember that.

Round 4, Pick 105: Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State

Tyron Tracy Jr. needed a partner in crime, and Skattebo is the perfect fit. A tough, compact runner with soft hands and sneaky speed, he complements Tracy's style beautifully. This duo has the makings of a new "Earth and Lightning" combo in New York. Skattebo can also contribute on special teams immediately — a huge plus.

Round 5, Pick 154: Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue

Offensive line depth was a must coming into the draft, and Mbow provides that and more. He’s a strong, nasty blocker with experience at both guard and tackle. Classic Giants lineman vibes. If he can clean up some footwork issues, Mbow could develop into a starter down the line. At minimum, he’s a solid depth piece who brings attitude to the trenches.

Round 7, Pick 219: Thomas Fidonne II, TE, Nebraska

Here’s your lottery ticket. Fidonne was once rated higher than Brock Bowers coming out of high school before injuries derailed his college career. The upside is tantalizing. If the Giants can be patient and let him develop behind Daniel Bellinger and Theo Johnson, Fidonne could eventually blossom into a legitimate weapon. Low-risk, high-reward swing.

Round 7, Pick 246: Korie Black, CB, Oklahoma State

You can’t have too many good corners, and Black brings real ball skills to a position group that still needed depth. He's not flashy, but he’s competitive and sticky in coverage. With some coaching up, he could carve out a meaningful role on defense or special teams by midseason.

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This wasn’t just a "good" draft — it was a culture-setter. Schoen and Daboll clearly had a plan and executed it with precision. They targeted high-upside, high-character players who fit the Giants' blue-collar, no-nonsense identity. Experts across the board graded this class as one of the best in the league (Giants Wire, Giants.com, ESPN, Yahoo Sports).

For Schoen and Daboll, this draft feels like the beginning of the second act, where they

get the last laugh. The roster is younger, faster, and deeper than it has been in years.

Job-saving? You bet.

Franchise-changing? It just might be.

Refreshing for fans. Absolutely.

Only time will tell, but it's a good time to be a Giants fan again.