THE TAKE
NFL Network's Steve Smith Sr. explains why he lists the New York Giants as the biggest winner from Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
BOLDNESS
20/100
GRADE
65/100
PLAYERS / TEAMS
None tagged
GRADING CRITERIA
The Giants' Round 1 pick(s) from the 2025 NFL Draft must demonstrably outperform other teams' first-round selections by the end of the 2025 NFL season, as measured by rookie performance metrics, team improvement, or consensus draft grade retrospectives indicating New York received the best value or impact from Round 1.
vaguerecency bias
OUTCOME
PARTIALLY TRUEThe Giants' 2025 Round 1 haul — Abdul Carter (No. 3) and Jaxson Dart (No. 25, via trade-back) — was widely praised immediately after the draft and both rookies had productive, award-nominated seasons. Dart led all 2025 rookies with 24 total touchdowns and was a finalist for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Carter recorded 43 tackles, 4 sacks, and 23 QB hits and was a finalist for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. However, neither won their award (McMillan took OROY, Schwesinger took DROY), the Giants finished 4-13, fired their head coach, and most Round 1 retrospective grades ranked the Giants 5th-best in value — not the clear-cut biggest winner. Multiple analysts at the time also pointed to the Jaguars (Travis Hunter) or Eagles as Round 1 winners.