For the first time in a long time, the New York Giants finally hit on an NFL Draft - and not just with a single standout, but with a group that looks like it could shape the foundation of the franchise for years to come. The 2025 draft class brought in a trio of potential cornerstones in quarterback Jaxson Dart, linebacker Abdul Carter, and running back Cam Skattebo, along with two promising contributors in Darius Alexander and Marcus Mbow. And yet, somehow, this group still isn't getting the national respect it deserves.
Now that the dust has settled on the 2025 season, CBS Sports released its post-year draft class rankings, and the Giants landed at No. 7 with a B+ grade. That’s a solid mark on paper, but when you look at the impact this rookie class had on the field - especially compared to some of the teams ranked ahead of them - the grade feels a little light.
Let’s start with the most important position in football: quarterback. Jaxson Dart may not have lit up the stat sheet, but he brought something the Giants have lacked for a while - consistency under center.
Even after losing his top two weapons to injury, Dart kept the offense afloat, showing poise, toughness, and a command of the game that’s rare for a rookie. He didn’t just manage games - he made plays when they mattered and never looked overwhelmed, even as the season wore on.
Compare that to some of the other rookie quarterbacks. Cam Ward had a strong finish to the year for Tennessee, but his season was a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows.
Tyler Shough flashed potential in New Orleans, but also had stretches where he struggled to find rhythm. Dart, on the other hand, was steady from start to finish - and that counts for a lot, especially when you're evaluating a young QB's trajectory.
And here’s where the Giants’ class really starts to separate itself: depth. The Titans, for example, didn’t get much beyond Ward.
Chimere Dike contributed mostly on special teams, and Gunnar Helm was a decent starter, but that’s a thin return for an entire draft class. The Saints leaned on Kelvin Banks Jr. and Shough, but again, the overall impact doesn’t quite stack up to what the Giants got.
Then there’s Carolina. Yes, Tetairoa McMillan was electric and earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors - no argument there.
But outside of McMillan, the Panthers’ rookie class didn’t move the needle much. The Giants, meanwhile, got meaningful contributions from multiple spots on the roster.
Abdul Carter, after a rough start in a misfiring defensive scheme, found his stride late in the year. His athleticism and instincts started to shine through once the coaching staff put him in better positions to succeed. Cam Skattebo, before his injury, looked like a perfect complement in a two-headed rushing attack - a physical, downhill runner who brought energy every time he touched the ball.
And don’t overlook Darius Alexander and Marcus Mbow. Neither saw full-time roles, but both flashed in limited opportunities. Alexander showed promise as a rotational pass rusher, while Mbow held his own when called upon on the offensive line - not easy for a rookie in the trenches.
When you tally it up, this wasn’t just a “good” draft for the Giants - it was one of their most complete in years. They found their quarterback, added playmakers on both sides of the ball, and uncovered depth pieces who could grow into long-term contributors. That’s the blueprint for building a sustainable contender.
Sure, you can make a case for teams like the Bears, Patriots, or Browns being ranked ahead based on their own rookie returns - no issue there. But when quarterback play is still the single biggest driver of success in the NFL, and the Giants may have landed the most reliable rookie QB of the bunch, it’s hard not to feel like this class deserves more love.
For a franchise that’s been searching for answers in the draft for years, 2025 might just be the turning point. And if Dart and company continue on this trajectory, the rest of the league might be looking back at this class as the one that brought Big Blue back to relevance.