Abdul Carter, Penn State’s dynamic defensive end, is one of the most exciting prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. With his elite combination of athleticism, versatility, and production, Carter is widely regarded as a top-5 to top-8 pick. Teams like the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers are seen as ideal landing spots for the edge rusher. Here’s an in-depth look at Carter’s draft stock, performance metrics, and NFL potential.
Draft Projection for Abdul Carter
Abdul Carter is almost unanimously considered a top-8 pick, with some top analysts projecting him to land within the top 5. His combination of athleticism and his playmaking ability make him a favorite for teams looking for a game-changing defensive player for a lot of NFL teams.
- Most Likely Landing Spots for Abdul Carter: The New England Patriots (4th overall) and Carolina Panthers (8th overall) are seen as strong fits, with both franchises prioritizing defensive upgrades.
- Why Carter is a Top Pick: Carter’s versatility as both a defensive end and a linebacker allows teams to deploy him in multiple roles. His ability to rush the passer and disrupt the run makes him a valuable asset in any scheme.
Abdul Carter 2025 NFL Draft Projection: Top-8 Pick
2024 Season Performance
When you get held (don’t get the call) and STILL get the sack. Abdul Carter is unreal. pic.twitter.com/YqUOOBk0te
— T-FrankOn3 (@ThomasFrankCarr) December 21, 2024
Carter’s junior season cemented his status as one of the draft’s elite prospects. He dominated across the board and earned national recognition for his efforts.
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Abdul Carter 2024 Statistics:
- 24 tackles for loss (led the nation).
- 12 sacks (led the Big Ten).
- 5 forced fumbles, showing his knack for creating turnovers.
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2024 Awards:
- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
- Unanimous All-American selection.
Carter also played through an upper-body injury in the College Football Playoff, contributing a sack and two tackles for loss in a narrow loss to Notre Dame. NFL teams will love this sort of toughness that was on display.
Abdul Carter 40-Time and Draft Metrics
Carter’s athleticism is one of the cornerstones of his draft profile. His speed and explosiveness are rare for his position. Let’s take a quick look at how we think Carter will perform in the NFL Combine:
- Projected 40-Yard Dash Time: 4.48 seconds, an elite time for a defensive end.
- Projected Shuttle Run: 4.35 seconds, highlighting his quick lateral movement.
- Projected Broad Jump: 3.23 meters (10 feet 7 inches), demonstrating his lower-body explosiveness.
These projected numbers would not only confirm his athletic potential but also underscore his ability to translate his physical gifts into on-field production.
Abdul Carter Best NFL Fits
Carter’s skill set makes him a seamless fit for several franchises aiming to build a more dominant defense. Two teams stand out as particularly well-suited for his talents:
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New England Patriots (4th Pick)
The Patriots need a defensive cornerstone, and Carter could be the disruptive edge presence they’ve lacked. His versatility aligns with the Patrtiots’ preference for adaptable defenders who can play in multiple schemes. -
Carolina Panthers (7th Pick)
The Panthers have a solid defensive core but lack a true game-changer on the edge. Carter’s speed and power would add immediate impact, helping to balance their defense and support their young quarterback with better field positioning.
Abdul Carter Scouting Report
Strengths
Abdul Carter vs Aamil Wagner pic.twitter.com/8iItMzEQ7v
— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) January 10, 2025
- Exceptional speed and explosiveness for his size.
- Versatile in playing both defensive end and linebacker roles.
- Strong instincts for locating the ball and making impactful plays.
- High motor and competitive toughness, even when battling injuries.
Areas for Improvement
- Needs refinement in disengaging from blockers in tight spaces.
- Pad level can be inconsistent, occasionally leading to leverage issues.
- Some scouts note that he could benefit from further development in coverage if deployed as a hybrid linebacker.
Commentary
Abdul Carter’s stock is as high as any defensive player in the 2025 NFL Draft. His production, athleticism, and versatility make him a top-tier prospect with the potential to be a franchise-altering defender. Teams like the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers represent ideal fits, offering both the need and the scheme to maximize his talents.
With a strong college resume and standout measurables, Carter is poised to be one of the first names called in April, ready to make an immediate impact at the next level.
