By Marquette Gonzalez, Staff Writer
As the 2025 NFL Draft concluded in Detroit on April 27, football fans nationwide erupted in excitement and surprise over the weekend’s selections. At Long Island University (LIU), two Giants fans were especially thrilled with the results.
For two junior business administration majors and football players at LIU, Abdoulaye Bah and Daniel Hernandez, the draft represented more than just the anticipation of who would be selected first; it reflected personal connections, local pride, and enthusiasm for the direction their favorite team is heading.
One name that stood out more than the rest for Bah: Abdul Carter, the defensive standout out of Penn State who was selected with the third pick by the New York Giants. Known for his hard-hitting, fast-paced style of play, Carter has earned a reputation as one of the top defensive prospects in the country.
“My favorite NFL pick in this year’s draft was Abdul Carter, the third pick to the New York Giants, because of the way he plays defense,” Bah said. “I’m also a Giants fan, so he’s a great addition to the team.”
Another major talking point of the draft was quarterback Shedeur Sanders falling to the fifth round at pick 144, where he was selected by the Cleveland Browns. Many expected him to be selected much earlier, and Bah was among those surprised by the drop.
“I don’t think that reflects his talent,” Bah said. “It’s probably the attention he brings to himself as an athlete that caused him to drop so low.”
Bah emphasized that Sanders’ draft position didn’t reflect his true potential. In his opinion, the quarterback wasn’t overlooked because of his ability, but rather due to the intense media focus and public perception surrounding him.
While Bah felt satisfied with the Giants’ selection of Carter, he also had hopes for the Giants to select cornerback Travis Hunter, another top-tier prospect. In his eyes, either selection would have been a win.
Daniel Hernandez offered a different perspective on the draft, fueled by personal connections. Two players he knew well were selected: Kyle Monangai, a former high school teammate, and Tyler Booker, a former opponent.
“I’d say my favorite pick was Kyle Monangai because I played with him in high school, or Tyler Booker, since I played against him,” Hernandez said. “It’s cool to see other New Jersey guys making it to the pros.”
When asked about Sanders’ draft slide, Hernandez’s opinion differed from the consensus.
“I’m not surprised he got pushed so far back because of the ego he carries with him,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez highlighted that success in the NFL often has little to do with a player’s draft position.
“Draft position doesn’t always reflect someone’s talent or potential; there are plenty of guys who go undrafted and still have very successful careers,” he added. “If anything, it should motivate him to work even harder, especially since he was once expected to be the first pick in the draft.”
As a Giants fan, Hernandez was pleased with the team’s performance in the draft, particularly its focus on rebuilding a formidable defense.
“I wanted the Giants to pick up a really good defensive stud and a solid quarterback, which we definitely got,” Hernandez said. “The Giants probably have the best D-line in the league now.”
Regarding Kyle Monangai’s late selection, Hernandez stood by it, explaining that the running back position is one of the most competitive and often undervalued in the NFL draft.
“I’m going to stand by Kyle Monangai getting picked late in the draft,” he said. “But at the same time, there are a lot of running backs in the league, and it’s one of the shortest-played positions. So getting picked late doesn’t mean he won’t thrive or be successful in the NFL.”
Both students agreed that draft order does not define a player’s future. Whether someone is a top-10 pick or a late-round sleeper, Bah and Hernandez are eager to see how their favorite players and their favorite team perform in the upcoming NFL season.
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