Carter’s development occurred under the guidance of Shane Bowen, the former Giants defensive coordinator. Bowen’s scheme emphasized run defense, but it didn’t mesh perfectly with the Giants’ personnel, contributing to defensive inconsistencies. Bowen was brought in to bolster the run defense, yet the unit overall ranked 31st in the NFL in that category.
This season, the Giants are expected to be different on defense. Carter, along with teammates Brian Burns, Arvell Reese, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, will form the core of a reworked unit under the direction of newly appointed coordinator Dennard Wilson. With Wilson’s more aggressive approach, Carter is anticipated to play a more substantial role, potentially leading to a stronger season.
During mini-camp, Carter demonstrated speed and aggression that impressed observers. There is belief that head coach Jim Harbaugh could help unleash Carter’s full potential, enabling him to become a disruptive force at the edge. Carter recorded a standout pass-rush grade late in the season, tying for the second-highest mark in the NFL with another elite defender. This level of pressure is indicative of the ceiling Carter could reach if he continues to develop under the Giants’ coaching staff.
If Carter can maintain or exceed that level of play, he could be a central figure in the Giants’ defensive resurgence. While comparisons to top pass rushers like Myles Garrett are speculative, Carter’s ability to generate pressure places him among the league’s more effective edge players. With a more aggressive scheme and better overall defensive coordination, the Giants’ pass rush has the potential to become a significant strength, contributing to more victories and a more formidable team overall.
