The NFL handed out its annual awards Thursday night, just days before the Super Bowl spotlight takes over. And while the Giants didn’t walk away with any trophies, they had two rookies in the conversation - a sign that things might finally be trending in the right direction in East Rutherford.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart and linebacker Abdul Carter were both finalists for Rookie of the Year honors, on the offensive and defensive sides, respectively. Neither took home the award - Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan edged out Dart, while Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger claimed the defensive honor over Carter. But don’t let the lack of hardware fool you - both rookies made strong statements in their first NFL seasons.
Dart’s Debut: A Glimpse of the Future
Let’s start with Dart. The Giants traded up nine spots to grab him at No. 25 overall, and while his 4-8 record as a starter might not jump off the page, the numbers behind it tell a more promising story. Dart threw 15 touchdowns to just five interceptions, posted a 91.7 passer rating, and added nine rushing touchdowns - a dual-threat element the Giants haven’t had at quarterback in years.
He showed poise in the pocket, a quick release, and the ability to extend plays with his legs. Sure, there were growing pains - as you’d expect from any rookie signal-caller - but Dart looked like a player the Giants can build around. For a franchise that’s been searching for its next franchise quarterback since Eli Manning hung up his cleats, Dart’s emergence is a big deal.
Carter: Flashes of Dominance, Room to Grow
Then there’s Abdul Carter, the third overall pick in last year’s draft. The Giants passed on a quarterback at that spot, betting big on Carter’s upside as a defensive cornerstone. And while he didn’t win Defensive Rookie of the Year, he certainly put the league on notice.
Carter finished his rookie campaign with 66 pressures - an impressive number for any edge rusher, let alone a first-year player. His explosiveness off the line and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield were evident all season.
That said, there were some bumps along the way. Carter reportedly struggled with punctuality, showing up late to team meetings on multiple occasions.
It’s the kind of immaturity that can be coached out - especially with the right leadership in place.
A New Era Under Harbaugh
Speaking of leadership, the Giants just made a major move by bringing in John Harbaugh as head coach. Harbaugh wasted no time assembling his staff, hiring Dennard Wilson to run the defense and Matt Nagy to coordinate the offense. That’s a veteran brain trust with a track record of maximizing talent - and they’ve got two young, high-ceiling players to work with in Carter and Dart.
Wilson will be tasked with helping Carter channel his raw talent into consistent production, while Nagy will look to continue Dart’s development as the centerpiece of the offense. If both coaches can get the most out of their young stars, the Giants could be building something real.
Looking Ahead
It’s been a long road for the Giants since their last Super Bowl win in 2011. The franchise has cycled through coaches, quarterbacks, and front office resets in search of stability. But now, with Harbaugh at the helm and promising rookies already making an impact, there’s reason for cautious optimism.
No, Dart and Carter didn’t take home any awards this week. But they gave the Giants something even more valuable - hope. And in a league where fortunes can change fast, that’s a pretty good place to start.