WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Abdul Carter had the kind of day at New York Giants training camp on Thursday that the Giants and their fans can only dream about him having once the 2026 regular season begins.
Working against All-Pro left tackle Andrew Thomas, the second-year edge defender had at least two would-be sacks of Jaxson Dart, and broke through the line to bat down a tight end screen intended for Isaiah Likely.
Carter also did his fair share of woofing, the cleaned-up version of which is Carter stating
that Thomas was going to have to put in some work during this training camp.
Thomas, one of the NFL’s best offensive tackles, wasn’t engaging in the trash talk.
“That’s all defenders,” Thomas said. “They make one play, and they’re the best. You do a second, you’re All-Pro.”
Thomas, though, certainly recognized that Carter, the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is tougher to block than he was as a rookie, when he had just 4.0 sacks and his season was marred by a pair of benchings.
“He’s stringing his moves together better. He’s using his power more,” Thomas said. “And you can tell he just has a better understanding for different types of blocks, different types of attacks, recognizing play schemes.”
Carter is considered a breakout candidate for the Giants. Thursday’s practice was an indication that such prognostications for the former Penn State star, who drew Micah Parsons comparisons before last year’s draft, might not be wishful thinking.
“He’s had two good practices,” said head coach John Harbaugh. “He’s doing everything well right now. He was in the backfield quite a bit.
“He’s going against a really good tackle too. I thought those guys were making each other better. I just appreciate that kind of competition.”
Harbaugh said that Carter, whose work ethic was questioned after his benchings for missing practice and being late to meetings last season, has shown “amazing work ethic and a really deep determination” thus far this season.
Thomas wasn’t thrilled about having a tough day handling the precocious young pass rusher.
“I never get excited when I lose,” Thomas said.
The fact that Thomas did lose to Carter on Thursday, though, has to be exciting for the Giants.
