Should New York Giants' fans be concerned with 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter?
The New York Giants continued their struggle through the 2025 NFL season on Monday night against the New England Patriots, dropping the Week 13 contest on the road, 33-15.
Luckily for fans, there were plenty of things to be optimistic about after the loss, as rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart did an outstanding job of taking care of the football.
However, the issues surrounding fellow rookie and star defender Abdul Carter continue to pile up this year.
On the Patriots’ first offensive drive of the contest, fans were shocked to see Carter on the bench, as he would remain there for the entire first quarter. When asked about being benched in the first quarter, Carter gave a simple yet concerning response:
“S*** happens.”
For the second time in three weeks, Carter was once again on the bench for the start of the contest. Both of his benchings occurred once interim head coach Mike Kafka took over, who has quickly begun to reshape the struggling franchise in his first three games.
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Kafka was also asked about Carter being benched for the entire first quarter, to which he responded that it was a decision he “wanted to make” on Monday.
"Just based on how we went during the week, that was a decision I wanted to make," Kafka stated.
Coming off an incredible 12-sack year at Penn State last year, Carter was widely considered a top-three prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft Class. And despite the team already possessing Brian Burns, general manager Joe Schoen decided to select the young defender with the No. 3 pick.
Unfortunately for the front office, the pick is now beginning to haunt the organization, as Carter has underperformed in his rookie season.
This year, the 22-year-old recorded his first solo sack on Monday night against the Patriots, but has shown flashes of promise by doing an excellent job of applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
Part of the reason for Carter’s lack of production this season has been due to the incredible play from Burns, who has tallied the second-most sacks this year with 13. Even though Burns has done a terrific job this season, the red flags with Carter are clear as day for the franchise.
Now, with four games left in the 2025 regular season, the talented playmaker must quickly prove to the entire organization that he was worth the top-three selection.