An optimist's guide to the 2025 New York Giants

Now the 6-foot-3, 255-pound linebacker joins a stacked defensive line that includes talented edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux along with defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, a three-time Pro Bowler.

Lawrence missed the last five games of 2024 with a dislocated elbow, but assuming all four players stay healthy, Carter and Co. could be a force in the NFC East.

2. QB Jaxson Dart

Finally free of Daniel Jones (and his four-year, $160M contract) the Giants might have found their quarterback of the future by trading up for Dart in this year’s draft. 

The 22-year-old passer had 11,970 yards and 81 touchdowns in four college seasons and led the SEC with 4,279 yards while tossing 29 touchdown passes with a 180.7 quarterback rating in 2024.

Of course, he’ll start 2025 behind 36-year-old quarterback Russell Wilson, who signed a one-year, $10.5M contract.  Wilson, however, missed the Steelers' first six games with a calf issue last season. Another injury or unsteady play from Wilson could be all the team needs to get Dart started next season.

3. OL Evan Neal

Neal is rarely discussed in positive terms but a new position could change things moving forward. Taken seventh overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Neal has been a disappointment at tackle which is why the team is moving him to guard.

Neal took first team reps at guard during recent OTA practices, something head coach Brian Daboll seems excited about.

“He’s a big man. He’s got length. He’s obviously a little bit taller than I’d say traditional guards, but he’s played it,” Daboll said. “He’s played a number of positions since he’s been at University of Alabama. He’s been working hard this last month and a half and look forward to getting him out there.”

At 6-foot-7 and 340 pounds, Neal is substantially bigger than guards Greg Van Roten and Jon Runyan Jr. which can only help the team’s 23rd-ranked rushing attack.

4. RB Cam Skattebo

He may not be Saquon Barkley, but this year’s fourth-round pick certainly brings the right attitude to the Giants.

“How many snaps of the NFL have you seen me play? Skattebo asked reporters. “Zero, right? I've proved nothing. I've proved what I am in college, but I've proved nothing at this level. So now where I'm at, I have to prove myself and if that's for five years or if that's for 10 years, I'm going to continue to prove myself.”

While not the biggest running back at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, Skattebo runs hard and will look to mix in with leading rusher Tyrone Tracy Jr., a fifth-round pick in 2024.

Skattebo was named a finalist for last season’s Heisman Trophy with 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground and 605 yards and three scores through for Arizona State last season.

He may not see such numbers as an NFL rookie, but he’s a lock to win at least one “Angry Run” scepter from Good Morning Football.