Plenty of analysts and fans slapped a "generational talent" label on Abdul Carter leading into last year's NFL Draft, and the outside linebacker only fed into the hype machine by asking to wear the retired numbers of New York Giants legends Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms.

The Hall of Fame linebacker declined Carter's request to use his No. 56, and the Super Bowl XXI MVP quarterback's family did not feel comfortable with anyone wearing No. 11 (Carter's number at Penn State). 

After being rebuffed by Taylor and Simms, the young Giants player chose No. 51. Now, he is switching to No. 3.

Why, you ask? His motives aren’t tied to franchise history. The number says more about his own journey.

"It was honestly the best number available after I had 51," Carter said. "It is some crazy numerology. I was born on October 3, 2003, and I was the third pick."

The 22-year-old is hoping that No. 3 continues to hold special meaning in his life. If everything goes according to his plan, then future rookies will be asking him for permission to wear his number.

Carter obviously has a ways to go before reaching such status, but this upcoming season figures to be a huge step in his development. Following an inconsistent 2025 campaign that saw him struggle to get home against quarterbacks until late in the year, he is looking to perform like a true game-wrecker in 2026.

Questions about his production, punctuality, or anything else should not enter the equation. The focus must be on his on-field contributions, and the team and fan base expect them to be bountiful.

Carter is positioned for a standout second season

Carter totaled 66 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus, 13 more than All-Pro teammate and NFC sacks leader Brian Burns. If the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Unanimous All-American continues to push around offensive linemen at that rate, he will record far more than four sacks in a single season.

The right men are in the building to foster his growth. John Harbaugh is a Super Bowl-winning head coach who demands accountability and commands respect. Dennard Wilson is an aggressive defensive coordinator who knows how to maximize his star players' best traits.

Burns is a seasoned pro coming off a career campaign. Fellow veterans DJ Reader and Shelby Harris can impart some wisdom as well. Left tackle Andrew Thomas offers invaluable competition at practice. Abdul Carter is equipped to excel on the Giants. Now he has to do it.

If he succeeds, then No. 3 jerseys will fill MetLife Stadium for some time.

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