The Giants continue to explore all options for the upcoming NFL Draft.
New York is said to still be in the mix for a quarterback, even after bringing in veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston via free agency over the past two weeks. But they could also look to add young talent elsewhere.
On that front, Big Blue is one of the teams set to meet privately with top pass rusher Abdul Carter following Penn State’s Pro Day on Friday afternoon in Happy Valley, according to numerous reports.
Carter also met with the Browns on Thursday night and has visited the Titans -- the two teams selecting ahead of the Giants.
The 21-year-old didn't participate in the NFL Scouting Combine last month, after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right foot. He also wasn’t working out during the pro day, as he continues rehabbing a shoulder injury suffered in the College Football Playoff.
Still, Carter is expected to be ready by the time the season comes around, and he told reporters -- including Zac Jackson of the Athletic -- that he’s currently the closest he’s been to 100 percent in a while.
It's always a risk to select a player coming off an injury, but the Philadelphia native just put together an incredible season in which he was named a unanimous All-American and took home Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Carter was an absolute force in the middle of the Nittany Lions’ loaded defensive front, setting career-highs across the board with 43 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, four pass deflections, and a pair of forced fumbles.
While there's still some question about where he'll ultimately land, Carter believes he's the best player on the board.
“There’s a lot of reasons I think that,” Carter said. “My overall impact on the game, my versatility with being able to play multiple positions. Most importantly, I step up when I’m needed the most. When crunch time comes around and you need somebody to make that big play, I make that big play.”
There's no denying that the Giants could use a player with that mindset and potential through this rebuild, but it remains to be seen whether or not Carter will still be available when they hit the clock with the third overall pick.