New York Giants Season: News, Schedule, Roster, and Highlights

Tag: rookie minicamp

  • Jaxson Dart Continues to Impress in Giants Tests

    Jaxson Dart Continues to Impress in Giants Tests

    When the New York Giants traded back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to get Jaxson Dart, they knew they were getting a quarterback with potential. But what’s becoming more and more clear is that Dart isn’t just a project for the future—he’s already making waves in rookie minicamp. From his leadership on the field to his quick grasp of the playbook, Dart is proving he was worth the investment.

    A Natural Leader from Day One

    It doesn’t take long to notice Jaxson Dart carries himself like a vet, even among players he just met. His confidence and poise have been evident in interviews and on the practice field. Rookie running back Cam Skattebo couldn’t help but gush about Dart after their first day together:

    “I mean, he’s super smart,” Skattebo said. “I’ve talked to him the last 24 hours and the kid is one of the smartest I’ve been around. He did a great job with the 7 on 7 play calls, snap counts and all that, making sure everybody was in line. I can’t wait to see what he’s capable of.”

    Dart’s ability to step into a leadership role so quick has impressed not only his teammates but the coaches too. As the quarterback he knows he’s running the show—and he’s owning it.

    “As a quarterback you run the ship when you’re out there,” Dart said. “If you don’t know the ins and outs of everything you’re not going to have everybody around you prepared. And I think that’s super important. It raises the bar for everyone around you.”

    On-the-Field Performance Shines Through

    Friday’s rookie minicamp 7 on 7 drills had Dart throwing with accuracy and pace. Coach Kafka was calling plays in his helmet and Dart was executing them. He wasn’t perfect but you could see he’s ready to learn and adapt.

    He made sure to review the practice script with his new teammates on the bus ride from the Giants facility to the hotel.

    “As the quarterback you’ve got to make sure everybody knows what they’re doing,” Dart said. “So I tried to get as many guys as I could on the offensive side of the ball and go through it, teach everybody and make sure we’re all on the same page.”

    Quick Study Off the Field

    One of the most impressive things about Dart’s early days with the Giants is how fast he’s picking up information. Rookie camp is a firehose of information, with coaches throwing schemes at players and expecting quick answers. According to Skattebo, Dart is crushing it:

    “Coaches say something and if you answer fast and right, that’s hard to do, especially with the nerves and everything that adds up as a rookie,” Skattebo said. “But [Dart] hears it once and can repeat it back to back. He just does that.”

    Dart’s football IQ and ability to process is separating him from the other rookies. Whether it’s memorizing routes or understanding coverages, he’s showing he’s ahead of the curve.

    The Future for Dart

    While Dart is definitely impressing early, there’s no immediate pressure for him to be the starter. The Giants signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to handle the position for the short term, giving Dart time to develop.

    But he’s showing he could push for playing time sooner rather than later. Will he be ready for 2025? Or will it be 2026? Only time will tell but one thing is for sure, Dart is soaking up every lesson he can.

    “I think if you want to be a great team and compete at the highest level, that’s how you have to be as a quarterback,” Dart said.

  • Abdul Carter Shares Why He Loves His New Number

    Abdul Carter Shares Why He Loves His New Number

    When Abdul Carter stepped onto the field for his first rookie minicamp with the New York Giants, he did so wearing jersey No. 51. It wasn’t his first choice, but the young edge rusher is already embracing it as part of his journey in the NFL.

    The Journey to Jersey No. 51

    Carter’s initial hope was to wear a number that carried legacy and prestige—either No. 56, famously worn by Lawrence Taylor, or No. 11, retired for Phil Simms. Unfortunately, those numbers remain off-limits for now.

    Lawrence Taylor politely declined Carter’s request to unretire No. 56, encouraging him instead to make his own mark with a new number. Meanwhile, while Phil Simms expressed openness to allowing Carter to wear No. 11, his wife and daughter vetoed the idea, leaving the iconic digits untouched.

    So, why No. 51?

    “Pretty much what we had available,” Carter said with a smile during Friday’s media session at the Quest Diagnostics Center. “It was a good number.”

    Though it may not have been his dream number, Carter is determined to grow into it.

    “I feel good,” Carter said. “I feel like it’s going to have to grow on me a little bit, but it’s feeling good right now.”

    A Coach’s Perspective

    Head coach Brian Daboll isn’t concerned about the number on Carter’s back—he’s focused on the player wearing it.

    “Yeah, he’ll wear 51,” Daboll said. “I’m more concerned about the player and proving himself, so that’s what number he’s in, 51.”

    For Carter, this mindset aligns perfectly with his approach. He knows the number doesn’t define him—it’s his performance on the field that truly matters.

    “This is pretty much set,” Carter added. “I’m just happy to be out here playing football. That’s all I’m worried about.”

    Other Rookie Numbers and Adjustments

    Carter wasn’t the only rookie adjusting to a new number. Running back Cam Skattebo, who wore No. 4 at Arizona State, is now sporting No. 44—a change he admits isn’t ideal.

    “This is what I’m in for now,” Skattebo said. “We’ll see—it’s a temporary number. We’ll see what I end up with later in the season.”

    Quarterback Jaxson Dart, meanwhile, switched from his college No. 2 to No. 6 after Deonte Banks claimed the former. Dart remains undecided, saying:

    “Yeah, I think we’ll come to a final decision here soon. Quite honestly, I kind of have to just look at the pictures to see if I like myself in six.”

    Roster Moves and Contracts

    The Giants made several moves ahead of rookie camp. Three draft picks signed their rookie contracts: offensive lineman Marcus Mbow (fifth round), tight end Thomas Fidone II (seventh round), and defensive back Korie Black (seventh round).

    To create roster space, the team released veteran wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, whom they signed two months ago. However, Humphrey’s departure might not be permanent—he could re-sign as early as Monday. Additionally, the Giants are considering adding Gabe Davis, recently cut by the Jaguars, to bolster their receiving corps.