Brown discusses drafting Abdul Carter, Jaxson Dart, and more
New York Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown gave rare insight recently into the team’s offseason decisions, offering perspective on everything from their first-round pick to the quarterback room and the plan for some of their younger players.
One of the biggest moments of the draft came when the Giants used the third overall pick to select linebacker Abdul Carter out of Penn State. Brown said the choice was about more than just talent — it was also about how Carter fit into the broader vision for their defense.
“When you look at Abdul’s versatility, you know he can affect the quarterback in multiple positions,” Brown said. “When you have Burns, KT, Abdul—how can you get your best players in the front seven aligned to affect the quarterback?”
The Giants had done their homework. Brown said they didn’t have to guess at Carter’s flexibility because the tape already showed he could rush from inside and outside. The goal is to create matchup problems and lean into the athleticism across their defensive front.
While much of the attention leading into the draft focused on the top quarterback prospects, the Giants waited until later in Round 1 to select Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart. Brown said that decision wasn’t just luck, it was the result of a two-year evaluation that included time spent with Dart and hearing about him from other players.
“He’s kind of got that everyman feel,” Brown said. “When we talked to players at the Senior Bowl, guys from different teams and backgrounds kept bringing up Jaxson as someone they’d want in the NFL with them. That stuck with us.”
Dart’s maturity, leadership, and mobility made him an ideal candidate to compete in the Giants’ system. Brown emphasized that the team was impressed with his mental approach as much as his physical traits.
Another notable move this offseason was shifting former top pick Evan Neal from tackle to guard. Neal has struggled on the outside, but the coaching staff believes the transition could help him find his footing.
“We need the flashes to be consistent,” Brown said. “He’s been fully bought in with the move. There are not that many men as big as he is inside, and he’s been working with Carm [Bricillo] and James [Ferentz] all spring. Now it’s about execution.”
Despite a tough season that ended with just three wins, the Giants kept the majority of their roster intact. Brown said that wasn’t a matter of standing still — it was about recognizing how young their team really is.
“When you look at how young our nucleus is, we saw an opportunity to grow them with targeted veteran additions,” he said. “Guys like Jevon Holland, Paulson Adebo, and Russell Wilson give us leadership and production in key spots.”
Another name Brown brought up unprompted was Deonte Banks. The former first-round pick had an up-and-down rookie year, but the team believes better coaching and a simplified role under defensive coordinator Shane Bowen will help him turn the corner.
“He’s still growing,” Brown said. “With Banks, it’s about confidence and consistency. We think a second year in the same system and with better support around him will make a big difference.”
And one quiet, but impactful move? Bringing back kicker Graham Gano after last season’s injury-plagued campaign.
“He’s a true pro,” Brown said. “That kind of presence in the locker room matters. Special teams is about trust and execution, and he gives us both.”
With a blend of youth, versatility, and veteran leadership, the Giants believe they’ve finally built a roster with the right mix to compete—and one that reflects the identity they’ve been chasing since Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll took over.
