Giants fans should be concerned with DC Shane Bowen's recent comments regarding Abdul Carter's role with New York

The New York Giants face a complex challenge in finding ways to incorporate all three of their talented pass rushers. Many franchises would do anything to have a rotation like Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter.

The depth of talent is exciting for Giants fans. However, it's already creating frustration because their 2025 first-round pick, Carter, didn't play as much as he should have this past Sunday. Apparently, there's a new option on the table for him to earn more snaps.

According to defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, a recent serious injury to linebacker Micah McFadden may lead to Carter contributing at inside linebacker.

"Abdul's got the history of playing off the ball, so that's something we’ve got to consider, got to look at."

Should Abdul Carter play ILB?

Carter is one of the most unique defensive players in the entire NFL. His development track was abnormal, which is a reason why he was drafted so high. Initially at Penn State, Carter contributed on defense as an off-ball linebacker due to a crowded pass rush room. Because he was so athletically gifted, he excelled with 48 tackles and six tackles for loss.

Once 2024 came around, the Nittany Lions moved Carter to EDGE, and he became the most dominant pass rusher in college football. Apparently, despite his impact being far greater as a pass rusher, the Giants are legitimately considering moving him back to inside linebacker to manage their talent issue.

In his defense, Bowen didn't commit to the move; he simply said they have to consider it because of the unique circumstance. That doesn't mean they should actually ask Carter, a player who was picked in the top five, to play a position he's not meant to play. Bowen also justified the potential move as a way to get Carter, Burns, and Thibodeaux all on the field at the same time.

"Another way, as you've said, to potentially get all three of those guys on the field," Bowen told reporters, "I think all those guys have versatility to do some different things for us that we’ve got to continue to explore."

Bowen was also confronted about the snap share for Carter because he only played on the field for 53.8% of the defensive snaps. He stated two reasons that many suspected. One being the Washington Commanders' offensive tempo.

"I think the tempo kind of handcuffs you a little bit with how much control we potentially have over that at times," said Bowen, "But I think each week it’s something we're going to look at just ways situationally that fit that we're able to hopefully utilize those three guys, whether it's together, separately, but continue to evolve as we go."

The decision to slowly carve out his role makes sense for any rookie. However, with the Giants' entire coaching staff under significant pressure to win, they need to show more urgency.

Another intriguing aspect of Carter's game was his contributions on special teams against Washington, which led to a blocked punt. It shouldn't be a gripe that they're finding creative ways to deploy him, but it also feels so odd. No other elite pass rushers in the NFL are asked to rush punts. Bowen addressed whether this affects his defensive role.

"I think it adds to it. Just what they're asking him to do on teams, and I'm not even 100% percent sure what all he's doing, what all four phases he's involved in there. But again, it's just added plays, right?"

Overall, Bowen's comments today raise more questions than they provide answers. His tone and words suggest that their plan for the highly talented rookie lacks thoroughness. One would hope there would be a deliberate outline to unleashing him onto the league. Instead, it was mostly contradictions and confusing responses.