Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter could be top defender in the 2025 NFL Draft, but has a long way to go
One of the divisive 2025 NFL Draft prospects, and most heavily anticipated players to watch this fall, was Penn State defender Abdul Carter. After spending his first two years in Happy Valley as a linebacker, Carter made the transition to the edge this offseason. A move that could pay huge dividends, at least on paper. […]
One of the divisive 2025 NFL Draft prospects, and most heavily anticipated players to watch this fall, was Penn State defender Abdul Carter. After spending his first two years in Happy Valley as a linebacker, Carter made the transition to the edge this offseason. A move that could pay huge dividends, at least on paper.
Now listed at 6-3 and 252 pounds, the Philadelphia native has really begun to grow into his frame. If you saw any of Carter’s film heading into the season, you know how gifted of an athlete he is. Carter was winning off of pure athletic gifts a lot, collecting 61 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 10 pass breakups.
The move to defensive end came with a lot of optimism. That includes scouts all around the NFL, as well as prominent draft analysts like Dane Brugler from The Athletic. When he joined The First Team, he spoke glowingly about the upside of Carter.
If you watch any Penn State tape the last two years, you knew who Abdul Carter was. He had some hype as a freshman because he hit the ground running for that team. Last year he was making plays. If you watch the Ohio State game, you will see him all over the field. His range against the run, his ability to get after the quarterback, his fluidity when he’s dropping in space.
Then you see he’s moving to edge full time, at least more of an edge role in 2024 as a junior. Then you really focus on his traits and his ability. You guys know, when you’re watching these players, some just move differently. It’s the twitch, the fluidity in his body and his hips, and how easy it is for him to hit that burst and regain that momentum. That change of direction is really special.
Now, rushing off of the edge takes more than athleticism. You need to have a plan. You need to set up blockers. There’s a lot of technique and things that go into it. He was one of the players that blew me away. He’s different. I don’t think the Micah Parsons comparison is crazy.
Roberts’ Take
After breaking down Carter’s film against West Virginia this past week, two things are certain: he’s incredibly talented but has a long way to go from a comfort perspective. During that highly anticipated contest against offensive tackle prospect Wyatt Milum, and the rest of the Mountaineer offensive line, Carter recorded just one tackle.
There were moments of brilliance, but once again, it was about winning off of natural talent. Carter needs to play more and get more reps on the edge. When it does click, he has a chance to be special.
The twitch, explosiveness, and fluidity that Carter possesses is jaw dropping. Right now you are betting on the athlete figuring it out, and for good reason. There is a realistic chance that Carter could be the first defender drafted next April if he does figure it out. He’s that talented.
