As you’ll recall, Carter — perhaps because of youthful naivete — previously angled for Nos. 11 and 56, which are retired by the Giants for legends Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor (probably the NFL’s best defensive player ever). Simms and Taylor both wisely said no.

Abdul Carter has tackled his first big task in the NFL by choosing a jersey number. After a search that made some headlines, the New York Giants’ first-round pick is wearing No. 51.

New York Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter has settled on a jersey number, while the remaining rookie class has also been assigned their numbers.