2025 Giants NFL Draft Grades: Scoring Every New York Selection

Posted by The News Pulse April 26, 2025 Post a Comment

If the New York Giants want to improve upon an abysmal 2024 season, they'll need to get to work improving the roster in the 2025 NFL Draft .

The G-Men concluded their disappointing 2024 campaign with a 3-14 record, which was among the poorest in the NFL. The squad's performance was midseason release of quarterback Daniel Jones – barely halfway through his four-year, $160 million contract extension – was only a piece of the disarray that characterized a downwards trend, illustrating an organization in turmoil during the previous year.

New York currently holds the leading position with regard to this metric. No. 3 overall pick This year's draft, owing to strength-of-schedule tiebreakers, continues as they search for a permanent answer at the quarterback position following the end of the Eli Manning era.

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Even after signing veteran quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson in the offseason, the quarterback position The quarterback position remains atop New York's priority list heading into the draft. With neither Winston nor Wilson under contract beyond the 2026 season, the Giants urgently seek the future cornerstone for their organization.

In addition, the Giants need help on the offensive line, particularly on the right side, where an aging Greg Van Roten and pending free agent Jermaine Eluemunor are expected to hold things down again in 2025.

Here are USA TODAY Sports' ratings for each of the Giants' picks in the draft. 2025 NFL Draft .

Giants NFL draft grades

Round 1, Pick 3: Abdul Carter, defensive end, Penn State

Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Sports: A

The Giants have made a straightforward choice by selecting what everyone agrees upon as the second-best prospect available. This pick, Carter, excels athletically in his role and transitioned smoothly from being an off-the-line linebacker to playing at the edge rusher position with potential still left untapped in him within the league structure. It was wise of them not to overreach towards grabbing a quarterback but rather opting for this high-caliber talent whenever they got their chance.

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz from USA TODAY Sports:

Big Blue's pick seemed to be trending this way for some time, but it still feels a bit strange to see the team exhibit some restraint in their quarterback pursuit given the desperation that has colored the rest of their offseason plans for the position. In terms of maximizing pure value, there was no real alternative to Carter at this slot. An absolute wrecking ball off the edge, the 6-2, 250-pounder offers a Pro Bowl-caliber package of athletic tools that he should wield even more comfortably as he grows more accustomed to full-time work rushing off the edge. File the question of how New York will utilize their newest disruptor alongside Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux under the category of good problems to have.

Round 1, Pick 25 (from HOU): Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi

Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Sports: C

To secure a spot in the first round of the draft, New York moved backward again, sacrificing both their second- and fourth-round picks for this year as part of the deal. While Dart might offer a lasting solution at his position, he faces significant challenges adapting to the NFL game following an extensive use of quarterback-friendly schemes like RPOs and play-action plays during his collegiate career. The team’s decision may stem from efforts to shield head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen from criticism; however, turning things around within their available timeframe seems unlikely.

Round 3, No. 65 overall: Darius Leonard, Defensive Tackle, Toledo

Ayrton Ostly, courtesy of USA TODAY Sports: A-
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz from USA TODAY Sports: B-

Round 4, Pick 105: Cam Skattebo, Running Back, Arizona State

Ayrton Ostly, courtesy of USA TODAY Sports: C+

Round 5, Selection 154: Marcus Mbow, Offensive Lineman from Purdue

Ayrton Ostly, courtesy of USA TODAY Sports : A

The Giants have acquired a prospect who was expected to be selected somewhere around the middle of day two but ended up being picked later on day three. Although Mbow primarily played right tackle during his time with the Boilermakers, his shorter arms and slender build suggest he would perform better at guard. Despite his stature, he possesses a strong initial hit, which makes him capable of starting immediately as an interior lineman for the Giants in his first year.

Round 7, Pick 219: Thomas Fidone II, Tight End from Nebraska

Ayrton Ostly, courtesy of USA TODAY Sports : B+

Fidone II dropped in the draft because of injuries during his time at college. When he’s in top form, his linear speed and explosive ability stand out, considering his dimensions (6 feet 5 inches, 243 pounds). As a consistent blocker, he also has significant promise as a receiver in the NFL. He could be an excellent option as a TE2 for the Giants moving forward.

Round 7, Selection 246: Korie Black, Cornerback from Oklahoma State

Ayrton Ostly, courtesy of USA TODAY Sports : A

The New York Giants selected Black relatively early, even though many anticipated him being passed over. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 192 pounds with a 40-yard dash time of 4.35 seconds, he boasts impressive physical attributes for both zonal and man-to-man defensive schemes. While he still needs refinement in understanding zonal defenses, his core skills suggest he could develop into a starting player in the NFL moving forward.

The Giants' 2025 NFL Draft selections

Round 1 – No. 3 overall: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Round 1 – No. 25 overall (from HOU): Jaxson Dart, quarterback for Ole Miss
Round 3 – Pick No. 65 Overall: Darius Leonard, DT, Toledo
Round 4 – Pick No. 105 Overall: Cam Skattebo, Running Back, Arizona State
Round 5 – Overall pick 154 (traded from Seattle): Marcus Mbow, IOL, Purdue
Round 7 – Overall pick No. 219: Thomas Fidone II, Tight End from Nebraska
Round 7 – Pick No. 246 overall (traded from Buffalo): Korie Black, Corner Back, Oklahoma State

The article initially appeared on USA TODAY: 2025 NFL Draft Evaluations for the New York Giants: Scores for Each Pick