Last season, we kept tabs on the Giants’ rookies, most of whom played significant roles. This year, let’s look at the outlook for each player heading into year two and assess whether they could play an expanded role.

EDGE Abdul Carter

Carter had a frustrating first three-quarters of the season in his rookie year. He entered the Week 13 clash with New England with just 0.5 sacks to his name and had to sit out the first quarter due to having been benched for the second time due to disciplinary issues.

That didn’t necessarily tell the full story though, because despite the lack of sacks, Carter had generated pressure at a high rate and had a few sacks negated by penalties, so he was making an impact. He finally broke out over the last five games with four sacks, perhaps benefiting from being moved into a more conventional EDGE role with Kayvon Thibodeaux injured.

There’s no doubt Carter will see his role expand in 2026, and he will look to build on the strong finish to his rookie season. He must avoid further off-field issues, though, because he could lose playing time if he gets on the wrong side of new head coach John Harbaugh.

Quarterback Jaxson Dart

Heading into his rookie season, the plan for Dart was thought to be that he would be brought along slowly, but he started his first game before September was over and remained as the starter from that point on.

With Dart at the helm, the Giants won two of his first three starts, then lost seven in a row, before ending the year with back-to-back wins over the Raiders and Cowboys. Dart ended up with over 2,200 passing yards, 15 touchdown passes and just five interceptions. He also rushed for almost 500 yards and nine touchdowns.

While his poise and consistency were impressive and encouraging, one lingering concern hangs over Dart. He took a lot of big hits last year and must learn to do a better job of protecting himself, despite the obvious desire to be a playmaker. If the new coaching staff can help him get that balance right, the future will be bright for both Dart and the Giants organization.

Defensive lineman Darius Alexander

Alexander had an underwhelming start to his Giants career as he had just nine tackles and 0.5 sacks in his first 10 games. However, he had 11 tackles and three sacks in his last six games and will hope to carry that momentum into the 2026 season.

Despite trading away Dexter Lawrence, the Giants have brought in a lot of veteran interior linemen, so Alexander’s path to a significant role isn’t a straightforward one. However, they lost Roy Robertson-Harris to an Achilles tear early on during the offseason program and Alexander has been enjoying a lot of first-team action since then.

Running back Cam Skattebo

Skattebo’s rookie year was cut short by a serious leg injury, but he has worked his way back and saw action in team drills during mandatory minicamp, so it looks like he’ll be a full-go by training camp.

Prior to the injury, the hard-nosed runner had started five games in a row, including a breakout performance in the win over the Eagles which saw him rack up 110 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. If he can be 100 percent by the start of the season, he has a chance to establish himself as a big part of the Giants’ future.

Offensive tackle Marcus Mbow

Mbow started three games in 2025, and with Andrew Thomas having missed 18 starts over the past three seasons, he could end up playing a key role at some point this year too. During the offseason program, Mbow split first team reps with Thomas, who isn’t yet 100 percent. That demonstrates that he’s the most likely choice to be the team’s swing tackle in 2026.

Even if one of the interior linemen gets hurt, Mbow could position himself to be the next man off the bench because right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor could kick inside.

Tight end Thomas Fidone

Fidone was the only Giants draft pick in 2025 that didn’t start a game for them in his rookie season. He eventually played in seven games but didn’t register a catch as he was mostly used on special teams. He had made some nice plays in preseason though.

In 2026, Fidone will be behind Isaiah Likely and Theo Johnson but, in theory, has a shot at competing with Chris Manhertz and Tanner Conner to be the number three option.

Defensive back Korie Black

The Giants initially had to cut ties with Black and the Jets poached him from their practice squad during the regular season. However, they jumped at the chance to bring Black back when the Jets released him and he ended up in the lineup, even starting two games down the stretch.

Black has a shot at being a reserve and special teams contributor in 2026 and will be hoping to impress the new coaching staff.

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