Giants Take Abdul Carter With 3rd Pick, Trade Up For Dart At 25 – Why They Passed On Shedeur Sanders

The New York Giants, as expected, took Penn State defensive lineman Abdul Carter with the third pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

What wasn’t expected was for the Giants to trade up in the first round to take Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the No. 25 pick.

The Giants traded pick 34, 99 and a third-round pick in 2026 to move up nine spots and take Dart. It was very possible Dart would have been available for the Giants at 34.

There was speculation that the Giants were going to draft Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders after trading up. The Giants met with Sanders on multiple occasions and held private workouts with him.

Ultimately, Dart was the choice they made.

Dart joins a quarterback room of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. It’s unlikely he gets playing time right away, but he’ll be able to learn from two veteran quarterbacks.

“I think from a developmental standpoint and the ability to grow, I think it’s a perfect situation for a young quarterback,” Giants GM Joe Schoen said.

Carter was the more traditional pick. Considered one of the best defensive prospects in the draft, he now joins a front with Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns.

“As a kid, I had a dream that I got drafted to the Giants,” Carter said. “This moment is just surreal for me and my family.”