The New York Giants are getting ready for the 2025 draft class, and while jersey numbers might seem like a small thing, they can mean a lot for players moving into new roles. Some rookies will stick with their original numbers, others will switch as roster cuts open up numbers. Here’s a dream list of jersey number fits for the Giants’ newbies, mixing tradition, hopes, and team history.
OLB Abdul Carter, No. 55
Abdul Carter has been told that retired numbers like 56 (Lawrence Taylor’s number) and his college number 11 are off the table. But what about 55?
This number was worn by LaVar Arrington, another Penn State linebacker who called himself “Mr. Nickels” during his brief Giants tenure. Arrington’s career was cut short by injuries, but Carter can build his own legacy.
No. 55 is like No. 11 in that it repeats digits and is one off from Lawrence Taylor’s 56, the number Carter wants to be. Currently on James Hudson III’s back, this number would be better suited for a linebacker making waves.
QB Jaxson Dart, No. 12
Jaxson Dart wore No. 2 in college, but why not add an extra digit for the pros? No. 12 has history with the Giants, most notably Steve Owen, a Hall of Famer and cornerstone player/coach from the early days of the franchise.
No. 12 hasn’t been used much since then, but Dart can redefine it. If he becomes the franchise QB the Giants hope he’ll be, No. 12 could become great again.
For Dart, wearing this number would be an opportunity to make his mark on Giants history, and maybe even lead the team to future championships.
IDL Darius Alexander, No. 99
Defensive lineman Darius Alexander is going to be a force alongside Dexter Lawrence, and what better way to symbolize that than wearing No. 99?
Leonard Williams wore No. 99 and when he was paired with Lawrence, he was a nightmare for opposing offenses. If Alexander gets it, it’s a sign of a similar duo for years to come.
Roy Roberson-Harris has No. 99 now, so he’d have to greenlight the switch, but if Alexander earns it, the symbolism alone is worth it.
RB Cam Skattebo, No. 44
When you think of bruising backs for the Giants, few names come to mind like Brandon Jacobs, who earned the nickname “Thunder” for his big runs. Pairing him with Ahmad Bradshaw’s lightning fast style made for one of the most dynamic backfields in franchise history.
Enter Cam Skattebo, whose physical running style is a perfect fit for the “Thunder” role. No. 44 was last worn by fullback Maurice Carthon a human battering ram in his own right. It would be a nice nod to the toughness and grit Skattebo brings to the field.
Tyler Nubin has No. 44 now, so reassigning it to Skattebo could bring back those glory days.
OL Marcus Mbow, No. 66
Versatility is key for offensive linemen, and Marcus Mbow has it. Like David Diehl, who wore 66 during his time with the Giants, Mbow can play multiple positions along the line.
Diehl’s career as a 5th round pick turned starter is the blueprint for Mbow, who is also a 5th round pick. With 66 available, why not give it to Mbow and honor the legacy of reliability and flexibility that Diehl brought to the Giants’ trenches?
CB Korie Black, No. 24
Korie Black wore two numbers in college: 4 and 2. Unfortunately, 4 is retired for Tuffy Leemans, and 2 is currently held by cornerback Deonte Banks.
That leaves 24—a perfect compromise between the two. Recently, 24 has been good to defensive backs like Julian Love and James Bradberry, who both played well and got paid.
If Black takes 24, he’ll be in good company with other defenders looking to make their mark.
Why These Numbers Matter?
Numbers aren’t just numbers—they’re identity, aspiration, and connection to the past. By giving these dream numbers to the Giants’ 2025 draft class, the team can set the tone for each player’s journey and honor the legends who came before them.
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