Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
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Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants rushes for yards during the third quarter of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
The New York Giants didn’t nail many things in 2025, but the draft certainly was one of them.
Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart were Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year finalists, respectively, and each showed tremendous upside at varying points throughout their first season in the NFL.
Dart in particular exceeded expectations. A player who wasn’t even supposed to see the field throughout his rookie season on the night the Giants drafted him ended up starting in 12 games after Russell Wilson was benched following Week 3.
In a redo of the 2025 NFL Draft, would New York still be able to wait until the backend of the first round to select their hopeful franchise signal-caller? Or are they forced to make a move earlier for his services?
Giants Forced to Take Jaxson Dart No. 3 Overall
In CBS Sports’ 2025 redraft, Blake Brockermeyer has the New York Giants selecting Dart No. 3 overall thanks to his impressive rookie season.
“I’ll stick with Jaxson Dart as the Giants’ pick as long as he learns how to slide and get out of bounds when he runs. Dart showed lots of promise, posting a high completion rate for a rookie while playing consistently and taking care of the ball,” wrote Brockermeyer.
Despite Dart’s numerous concussion checks throughout the season, his upside outweighs his injury concerns.
In 14 appearances this season, the Ole Miss product completed 63.7% of his passes for 2,227 yards, to go along with 15 touchdowns and only five interceptions.
Dart’s added threat with his legs was the cherry on top. He ran the ball 86 times for 487 yards and nine touchdowns, bringing his touchdown total to 24.
In hindsight, he was absolutely worthy of the No. 3 pick, and every Giants fan can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that in the alternate world where this draft took place, they still have their guy.
Abdul Carter Goes No. 11 to the 49ers
Unfortunately for the New York Giants, nabbing Dart at No. 3 means losing Carter, and he ends up falling all the way to the San Francisco 49ers at No. 11 overall in the CBS Sports redraft.
“The 49ers were crushed by injuries across the roster, especially along the defensive line. Abdul Carter underperformed relative to where he was picked but still had four sacks, two forced fumbles and 43 tackles. I think he breaks out in 2026,” wrote Brockermeyer.
To Brockermeyer’s point, Carter didn’t exactly perform as expected coming out of Penn State. A slow start could be attributed to the Giants now fired defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, but the former No. 3 overall pick didn’t help his cause by being tardy to team activities throughout the season.
Carter finished his rookie campaign strong, though, and finished the season 15th among edge rushers with 12 pressures.
The 49ers certainly could’ve used his presence on the edge throughout their injury-riddled 2025 season.
Giants Land CB Upton Stout With No. 25 Overall
With Dart gone, there’s no real reason for the Giants to trade up to No. 25 to select their quarterback of the future, but CBS Sports is keeping the same draft order from 2025, so current San Francisco 49ers cornerback Upton Stout is the pick here.
Originally the 100th overall pick in the third round, Stout jumps all the way up in the first round in this redraft.
“The Giants’ secondary was a problem all season, allowing over 26 points per game. Upton Stout lacks size but is ultra-competitive and made an impact in San Francisco’s physical secondary,” continued Brockermeyer.
With Cordale Flott set to test free agency, the Giants can add to their cornerback room a year early with the selection of Stout.
The Western Kentucky product recorded five passes defended and one forced fumble in 16 appearances throughout his rookie season, and would’ve made a fine addition to the Giants’ defense.