New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter’s 2025 NFL season did not culminate in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
The 2025 DROY was announced at NFL Honors on Thursday night. Nominees for the top award given to rookie defenders included Carter, Seattle Seahawks defensive back Nick Emmanwori, Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr., Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, and Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts.
Schwesinger beat out Carter for the award.
Defensive Rookie of the Year voting:
Carson Schwesinger: 40
Nick Emmanwori: 7
James Pearce: 2
Xavier Watts: 1No 1st place votes for Abdul Carter who finished 5th.
— Giants Nation Show (@GiantsNationPod) February 6, 2026
The 22-year-old recorded 2.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, as well as three passes defended. Schwesinger finished No. 6 in the NFL in total tackles with 157.
Carter recorded 4.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and seven tackles for loss in 2025. The Penn State product ranked No. 7 in the NFL in hurries (12), as well as No. 10 in pressures (34).
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants’ Abdul Carter finished fifth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting
