Shawne Merriman names ‘explosive’ New York Giants pick as his favorite in the 2025 NFL Draft

New York Giants rookie receives high praise from Merriman

The 2025 rookie class featured a wealth of extremely talented pass rushers, five of whom were selected in the first round. Both Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. landed with the Atlanta Falcons, the Cincinnati Bengals claimed Shemar Stewart, and the San Francisco 49ers added Mykel Williams. But, it was the New York Giants who landed the man many had as the most individually talented player in the class.

Shawne Merriman agreed with the consensus when asked which player he was most excited to see from the 2025 NFL draft:

“To be honest, Abdul Carter. I think he’ll probably win Defensive Rookie of the Year. I hate putting a stamp on people too early without doing anything on the field, but he’s just one of those guys who’s not going to take too long to get used to this NFL system. You can put him on the field, and he’s just a natural talent that’s very explosive. I think he’ll have a double-digit sack year and play great.”

As an outside linebacker, Shawne Merriman enjoyed several years of top production in the NFL. In his rookie season in 2005, Merriman led the San Diego Chargers with 10 sacks, forming a partnership with Shaun Phillips rushing the passer.

Merriman was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned Pro Bowl honors in his first season, but in 2006, he was even better. Once again pairing with Phillips, the second-year star put up 17 sacks, leading the entire NFL. He was clear of the likes of Jason Taylor and Julius Peppers, both now in the NFL Hall of Fame, who had 13 sacks each during that season.

The former Chargers and Buffalo Bills talent knows a thing or two about getting to the passer and winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, and he’s now tipping the Giants rookie to be the next in line.

The early favorite for the Defensive Rookie of the Year

Abdul Carter is the early favorite for the award, but there are other pass rushers who could be in with a real chance of their own.

Jalon Walker, who was tipped as a top ten pick but landed at 15 with the Atlanta Falcons, is second in line, with both pass rushers having better odds at winning the award than Travis Hunter.

Hunter is third, but it’s more difficult for a cornerback to win the DROY. In the last ten years, there have been three, including Marcus Peters in 2015, Marshon Lattimore in 2017, and Sauce Gardner in 2022.