The 2025 NFL Draft now has a new top EDGE prospect, Penn State star Abdul Carter has been separating himself
If you think back to summer scouting for the 2025 NFL Draft class, the EDGE group was one of the deeper and more talented classes on paper. Depending who you talked to, players like James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee), Mykel Williams (Georgia), and Abdul Carter (Penn State) each held claim near the top of prominent draft […]
If you think back to summer scouting for the 2025 NFL Draft class, the EDGE group was one of the deeper and more talented classes on paper. Depending who you talked to, players like James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee), Mykel Williams (Georgia), and Abdul Carter (Penn State) each held claim near the top of prominent draft analyst’s lists. Carter, who was previously a linebacker for the Nittany Lions, was one of the more divisive conversations in the group.
Early in the season, you saw why. The twitchiness, bend, and closing speed that Carter possesses is unquestionable. At 6-3 and 253 pounds, Carter truly “moves differently” compared to others at his position. Add in the versatility he brings, the smoothness, playmaking ability, and upside, and you have a player whose best football is still very much in front of him.
As you would expect for a player making a position switch, however, there is a lot of nuance to playing on the edge that needed to develop. We saw early on in the season that Carter had all the tools, but was largely figuring out the technical aspects of being an every down pass rusher. His game against West Virginia and offensive tackle prospect Wyatt Milum showcased those flaws.
A part of that performance, Carter did have some really nice moments. It seems like every week he keeps getting better and better. We saw the best version of Carter so far this season against the USC Trojans on Saturday. It isn’t about the raw stats, but the impact we see on each snap.
Carter was the best player on the field for either team most of that football game. You even see USC begin to roll protection toward him, and leave tight ends in to help block him regularly. They clearly knew what impact No. 11 could have on the field.
As an ascending prospect that already had a ton of notoriety, it’s easy to really continue to bet on Carter’s traits. Through six games, he has recorded 27 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, a forced fumble, and three pass breakups. As Carter gets more comfortable, the production is starting to come.
With Pearce Jr. having a slow start to the season, and still being an underwhelming run defender, he hasn’t had the rise that many anticipated. In comparison, Williams also hasn’t taken a step forward due to injury. Carter has been able to capitalize on their slow starts, and made a strong argument to be at the top of the class.
As of today, Carter would be my selection to be the first EDGE taken off the board when April finally gets here. His talent is evident. He’s young, and the future is extremely bright. If his growth is any indication, there is still a ton more upside in the future to tap into.
Don’t overthink this one. You are constantly told to bet on traits on the edge, and Carter has a ton of it. He could be in contention to be the first overall player off the board if his ascension continues.
