Abdul Carter

Carter (6’3/250) has been a force since he stepped on campus in Happy Valley, earning Freshman All-American recognition with 10.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks. He played linebacker during his first two campaigns, earning 1st Team All-Big Ten accolades, before moving to Edge last year. Carter continued to excel at the new position and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year while accruing 12 sacks and a FBS-leading 23.5 tackles for loss to go with a 92.4 PFF pass rush grade that ranked number one nationally. He posted an elite 22.9% win rate with a 19.4% pressure rate while ranking 2nd nationally in both pressures (66) and stops (43). Carter didn’t test at the Combine, but after 16 games versus high-level competition, there’s no question about his talent, grit, and determination. The Philadelphia, PA native has a breakneck get off that puts opposing tackles at an immediate disadvantage, allowing him to dictate the engagement and slip blocks. An impactful punch and educated hands free Carter up to flash prototype agility and closing speed. Though not a full-sized edge setter, Carter’s incredible twitch and flexibility will help him become an instant difference-making DE1 at the NFL level.

Per Schefter, Carter has already met with the Titans, Browns, and Giants but turned down all other top-30 visits with teams picking outside of the top four picks. The Penn State pass rusher is viewed as the No. 1 pass rusher in the draft and is coming off a season in which he totaled 12 sacks and also led the nation with 24 TFLs. The Patriots already have their quarterback situation figured out with Drake Maye in tow, but would benefit from adding a premiere pass rusher after ranking dead last as a team in sacks (28). Carter would hopefully provide them an immediate pass-rushing threat for the next decade as the Patriots look to turn a corner following three-straight losing seasons.

Carter had his medical recheck in Indianapolis on Thursday after a stress reaction in his right foot was discovered during the NFL Scouting Combine in February. “It should be a non-factor with the teams at this point,” his agent Drew Rosenhaus said. Carter is expected to arrive in New Jersey on Thursday evening where he will have dinner with the Giants, before his Top 30 visit with the team on Friday, per the MMQB’s Albert Breer.

Carter had breakfast with head coach Brian Daboll on Sunday and will have an official top-30 visit with the team on Thursday. The Penn State product is widely regarded as the top pass rusher in the league and is a virtual lock to hear his name called amongst the top five picks in the draft, with some believing he could go as high as No. 2 overall. The Giants hold the No. 3 overall in this year’s draft and could benefit from adding another pass rusher to play opposite Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal.