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Let’s dive into today’s prospect breakdown!

Abdul Carter | EDGE | Penn State

Height: 6’3″
Weight: 259 lbs
Draft Projection: Top 10
Notable Accomplishment: Led Big Ten in 2024 with 17.5 tackles for loss

Pros: Carter’s talent has not been unnoticed in previous seasons, but his meteoric rise on draft boards is justified following a standout season. He is both alert and athletic, which allows him to get a great jump off the snap. He is an incredibly versatile defender as well, and Penn State took advantage of that, lining him up as a down-lineman, stand-up edge rusher, and middle linebacker. Regardless of where he lined up, he was a consistent thorn in the side of opposing linemen, especially on passing downs. For someone nearly 260 pounds, Carter displays impressive bend around the edge. Not to mention, he also has a nasty rip move. As a run defender, Carter is quick to diagnose the play, and he typically does a good job of disengaging from blocks and making sure tackles on ball carriers. With elite size and speed measurables expected, Carter’s stock is certainly trending in the right direction.

Cons: There are times when Carter gets too eager pre-snap and jumps too early, costing his team key yardage on unnecessary penalties. He will need to become more disciplined in that regard. He is also not as dominant when it comes to consistently winning the battle for leverage. His pad level was much more consistent in 2024 than it was in 2023, but it is still an area Carter could use some improvement in. When his initial contact with an opposing lineman comes while in an upright stance, he is much more easy to neutralize.

Overview: Carter will have a chance to cement his status as the premier pass rusher of the 2025 draft class, but his game is not without flaws. Fortunately, almost all of the issues hindering his game from hitting the next level of excellence are relatively easy fixes. If he is coachable and patient enough to realize the production may not come in Year 1, he will see steady development, and he will eventually become a Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher.

NFL Comparison: Khalil Mack