The New York Giants drafted linebacker Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in this year’s NFL draft. However, despite high expectations, he has had a lackluster rookie campaign heading into Week 14.

Apart from his productivity struggles, Carter has also been fined and suspended for disciplinary problems, raising questions about his fit with the franchise. Amid the rookie’s struggles, retired two-time Super Bowl champion Lawrence Taylor had a brutally honest message for the Giants linebacker.

During an interview with the New York Post, Taylor said that Abdul Carter has the opportunity of a lifetime to make it big in the NFL. He advised the rookie to get a grip and take advantage of the position that he’s in.

“Wake up,” Taylor said. “This is what you worked for, this is where you want to be, so now you’re there. … Let’s wake up.

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“Don’t let your teammates down over bulls**t. If you can’t tell your coach what’s going on and why you can’t be at practice, then it’s bulls**t.”

The Giants have had an underwhelming campaign this season. After a disappointing 2-8 start, they fired Brian Daboll. This resulted in Mike Kafka taking over as the interim coach.

So far, Abdul Carter has been benched by Kafka twice because of disciplinary reasons. The rookie linebacker has tallied 31 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits and 1 tackle for loss in 13 games.

Abdul Carter gets honest about receiving criticism for underwhelming rookie campaign with the Giants

During Tuesday’s press conference, the rookie linebacker said that he understands the criticism he has received for his disciplinary issue.

“The guys who say that, those are guys I look up to, guys I respect,” Carter said. “So, if they say something like that, I’m going to look at myself first, like ‘Alright, what am I doing? How can I get better?’ and prove them that I can earn their respect and go out and be who I’m supposed to be.”

Giants GM Joe Schoen also came forward in Abdul Carter’s defense, stating that it is their collective responsibility as a team to develop rookies.

“Abdul is a young man who’s 21 years old, who’s smart and understands the magnitude of his actions and also understands what it means to be a pro,” Schoen said.

“These kids are 21 years old, and they’re thrust into the spotlight in New York city, and it’s not always going to be perfect. People make mistakes. Nobody’s perfect. Part of our job is to develop them as football players, and we will continue to do that with everybody in this organization.”

The Giants (2-11) will next face the Washington Commanders on Dec.14 after the bye week.