Unlike the 2024 NFL Draft, the 2025 group isn’t loaded with first-round quarterbacks. Instead, the 2025 NFL Draft class has been defined by a small group of elite prospects that the quarterback-needy teams just couldn’t resist. Former Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter is one of those unique talents, so regardless of his fit on their roster, the New York Giants selected him at No. 3 overall.
While every team could use an elite pass-rusher like Carter, the Giants are in a unique position, with two entrenched defensive ends. The reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was too enticing to pass up, and though you can never have too much of a good thing, Carter could force another first-round pick out of the Big Apple this weekend.
Giants could move on from Kayvon Thibodeaux after selecting Abdul Carter at No. 3 overall
The Giants drafted Kayvon Thibodeaux out of Oregon with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and traded a second-round pick for defensive end Brian Burns last offseason. With an expensive multi-year contract in place, Burns isn’t going anywhere, but Thibodeaux could be on the move via a trade this weekend.
As a former first-rounder, Thibodeaux is eligible for a fifth-year option for the 2026 season, but if the Giants opt not to pick up that option, he will be entering the final year of his rookie contract without an extension in place. With so much invested in Burns, who registered 8.5 sacks last season, and Carter entering the building as the third overall selection, Thibodeaux is likely the odd man out.
The former Oregon Duck registered 11.5 sacks in the 2023 season, but last year took a step back with just 5.5 across 12 games. If all three stay with the Giants, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen will have plenty of options this season with Carter, Burns, Thibodeaux, and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Dexter Lawrence on the interior of the defensive line. At least that's how Thibodeaux thinks things will play out.
Kayvon Thibodeaux welcomes Carter to the Big Apple
While the selection could put him on the chopping block in New York, Thibodeaux doesn't appear to be concerned, and instead celebrated the selection of Carter on Thursday night.
Yeah we going crazzyyy!!!! ז
— Kayvon Thibodeaux (@kayvont) April 25, 2025
Regardless of how things shake out with Thibodeaux's future, Carter will likely be the face of the franchise, and if he needs any advice for handling the spotlight in New York, he can call on another former Nittany Lion. Carter became the fifth former Penn State player selected in the top five of the NFL Draft, and the first since the Giants drafted Saquon Barkley No. 2 overall in 2018.
UPDATE: Giants pick up Kayvon Thibodeaux's fifth-year option
Minutes after drafting edge rusher Abdul Carter, Giants GM Joe Schoen said his team is picking up Kayvon Thibodeaux’s fifth-year contract option.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2025