Abdul Carter is drawing buzz as a future NFL star—and the Giants are watching closely

The 2025 NFL Draft may be quarterback-heavy, with names like Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders , and Jaxson Dart dominating headlines, but there's a growing buzz around a defensive juggernaut who’s quietly building a compelling case as a top-three selection: Abdul Carter . A name that might not yet echo in the same frequency as the quarterbacks, Carter is emerging as the type of player that can redefine a franchise—not just complement it.

Abdul Carter and NFL Draft: Why the Giants shouldn’t overlook Penn State’s defensive phenom

While the NFL draft process is often quarterback-centric, Abdul Carter’s rise is no fluke. The Big Ten’s 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, Carter has established himself as one of the most feared edge rushers in college football. He didn’t just have a good season—he had a dominant one. Starting all 16 games, Carter racked up 68 total tackles, an eye-popping 24 tackles for loss, and 12.0 sacks, alongside two forced fumbles. Those are the kind of numbers that scream first-round impact, especially in a league where disrupting the quarterback is as valuable as throwing the football.


Carter brings more than just stats. He carries the rare blend of confidence and purpose that NFL front offices crave. Speaking at the NFL scouting combine in February, he stated, “You definitely need a franchise edge rusher. If you look at all the great teams – all the great teams that have won Super Bowls – you have that one standout, great defensive player. And I feel like I’m that.” That’s not arrogance—it’s clarity of purpose. And in today’s NFL, he’s not wrong.

For a franchise like the New York Giants, who own the No. 3 overall pick, this isn’t just about filling needs—it’s about investing in transformational talent. Sure, the Giants already boast names like Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux off the edge, but this is the kind of draft where positional depth shouldn't cloud elite potential. When you’re drafting this high, you don’t reach for positional fit—you take the best player available. And there’s a growing belief across NFL circles that Abdul Carter could be just that.

History has shown the Giants’ blueprint for success leans heavily on defensive disruption. Their Super Bowl-winning teams in 2007 and 2011 weren’t just led by Eli Manning’s clutch performances—they were fueled by relentless defensive lines featuring Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, and Justin Tuck. Adding a game-wrecker like Carter into the fold could replicate that blueprint for success and elevate the Giants’ defense to another tier.

Despite not participating in any measurable drills at the NFL Combine or Penn State’s Pro Day, Carter’s tape does the talking. His explosive first step, relentless motor, and ability to bend around the edge make him a nightmare for offensive tackles. Even more impressive is his football IQ—knowing when to drop into coverage or knife through the line to collapse the pocket. He’s not just a pass rusher; he’s a complete defender with the upside of becoming a franchise cornerstone.

The draft is always a gamble—some picks become Peyton Manning, others JaMarcus Russell. But if there’s one non-quarterback prospect this year who seems like the safest bet to deliver day-one impact, it might be Abdul Carter. He may not be the headline act right now, but rest assured, he’ll be the storyline soon enough.

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