Most Indispensable New York Giants: A Rookie Enters the List at No. 6

Abdul Carter, the third overall pick in the draft, lands on our most indispensable list despite having never played a down in the NFL.

New York Giants OLB Abdul Carter talks to the media following practice at Giants Rookie Minicamp. | Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Consistency has always appeared a luxury in the ever-shifting world of the New York Giants defense. However, the Giants have found much more than an optimistic advantage with Abdul Carter.

They’ve discovered a foundational piece worth building around. Coming in at No. 6 on the New York Giants On SI’s list of the team’s most indispensable players, Carter has shown flash early on to separate himself to be essential for the team’s defensive identity.

Carter, who transitioned from Penn State with sky-high expectations, entered the NFL as the number 3 overall pick. He has a reputation as a hard-hitting, sideline-to-sideline enforcer, and in his rookie season, he's looking to deliver on those expectations and then some.

Why He’s Indispensable

The Giants’ defense might not have ranked among the league’s elite in 2024, but with Carter coming in, he could be a quick difference-maker to hopefully change their fortune on that side of the ball. His natural ability to diagnose plays, close gaps, and bring down ball carriers makes him a potential and immediate asset against both the run and pass.

But it’s more than where he was taken that makes Carter indispensable. Early signs from the rookie mini-camp have been very positive, precisely what the Giants brass were looking for when they selected him with their first-round pick. 

His presence brings stability to a team that would have otherwise lacked it in terms of inconsistency. From filling gaps at the line of scrimmage to dropping into coverage, Carter plays with a never-ending motor and a football mind ahead of his time.

While stars like Dexter Lawrence II and Bobby Okereke garner headlines, Carter can be the next man up to anchor this defense and be the star that allows the rest of the defense to thrive.

Outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen with first-round draft pick Abdul Carter during practice at the Giants' Rookie Minicamp. | Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

What Happens if He’s Missing?

While the team has Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, Carter is a young gem ready to be the cornerstone of the future. 

The Giants heavily invested in their defensive front this past offseason to improve both the run defense and the pass rush. Adding Carter to compete for who can dominate the edge might be precisely what the doctor ordered for this upcoming season.

His List Ranking

Carter’s placement at No. 6 on our list of indispensable Giants might surprise some, especially given the offensive-heavy attention that typically dominates team narratives. 

But make no mistake: his presence is as critical as anyone’s. Without him, this defense was stellar against the pass, as it was ranked in the top ten. 

But Carter's ability to play edge and linebacker could make up for some lapses this team had last season on both fronts and create a top-half-of-the-league defense unit. The Giants have a shot at stifling even the most dynamic offenses with him.

It’s too early to tell, but if the early signs indicate, Carter could become the team's number-one choice next season. 

Moving Forward

At just 21 years old, Carter’s ceiling remains sky-high. He’ll enter the 2025 season not only as a full-time starter but potentially as the voice of the defense. 

With leadership, durability, and playmaking instincts already on full display, it’s only a matter of time before Carter gets national recognition as one of the NFL’s top young linebackers.

The Giants are banking on him making an immediate impact, and given what he’s already shown, it’s a safe bet.

Other Indispensable Giants

• ILB Bobby Okereke, No. 7
• CB Paulson Adebo, Honorable Mention 1
• OT Jermaine Eluemunor, Honorable Mention 2
• K Graham Gano, Honorable Mention 3

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