The 6-foot-3, 250-pound 21-year-old was an All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in an impressive 2024 season that saw him rocketing up draft boards. But how does he fit into the Giants’ defensive system?

The New York Giants made a splash in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, selecting elite edge rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick. Following their selection, Carter showed interest in wearing the No. 56 jersey number that has been retired for the legendary Lawrence Taylor.

Abdul Carter gave it a shot and figured he had nothing to lose. Lawrence Taylor’s No. 56 is retired by the New York Giants and is one of the most revered jersey numbers in franchise history.