JUSTIN: NFL on Alert: Giants’ ‘Terrifying’ Abdul Carter Strategy Could Redefine Their Defense

The New York Giants raised eyebrows by selecting edge rusher Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, especially with pass-rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux already on the roster. But now, it’s clear how they plan to use him—and it’s got analysts calling the setup “terrifying” for opposing offenses.

NFL Insider Jordan Schultz described the Giants’ front four—Carter, Burns, Thibodeaux, and All-Pro nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II—as a nightmare for quarterbacks. His comments came alongside a minicamp highlight of Carter sacking Russell Wilson, showing Carter lined up next to Lawrence as an interior rusher. CBS Sports’ Dan Schneier echoed the sentiment, predicting Carter would be a “nightmare for guards” in that alignment.

SNY.tv’s Connor Hughes offered a glimpse of the Giants’ defensive vision: Carter in the middle, flanked by Burns and Thibodeaux on the outside. Though moving edge rushers inside isn’t new, Carter’s versatility opens up a broader playbook.

Carter: The Giants’ Defensive Chess Piece

Dan Duggan of The Athletic called Carter the “chess piece” of the group, thanks to his ability to line up anywhere—off the edge, inside, or even off the ball. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is expected to move Carter and Burns around frequently, keeping blockers off-balance. Burns, who had limited interior snaps last season, is expected to see more time inside in 2025—often in tandem with Carter.

This alignment will create mismatches across the line and force offensive lines into uncomfortable adjustments, especially when both Carter and Burns line up in the A-gaps. Add in Carter’s ability to drop back as an off-ball linebacker—a role he thrived in during his early Penn State days—and it becomes clear why the Giants are excited.

ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports Carter is already seeing some practice reps inside as the team explores various packages to get all three top pass-rushers on the field at once. His combination of instincts, speed, and aggression makes him dangerous both up front and from a middle linebacker spot—where he can also act as a spy against mobile quarterbacks.

History Backs the Strategy

The Giants’ approach has historical precedent. They found success with similar edge-heavy blueprints in the past—most famously when Lawrence Taylor, Carl Banks, and others formed one of the league’s most feared defenses in the ’80s. More recently, the 2011 Super Bowl team overloaded on pass-rushers like Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Osi Umenyiora to dominate the trenches.

Though the current team is coming off a 3-14 season, the Carter pick—and how they plan to unleash him—signals a bold, aggressive reset. If the Giants can recapture even a fraction of the chaos those historic defenses created, Carter may prove worthy of that No. 3 pick—and then some.