Abdul Carter 2025 NFL Draft: Penn State EDGE Scouting Report
Abdul Carter arrived at Penn State as a highly touted four-star recruit from La Salle College High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Initially an off-ball linebacker, Carter showcased his athleticism and playmaking ability early, earning significant playing time as a true freshman in 2022. After two seasons as a linebacker, Penn State transitioned him to a full-time EDGE role in 2024, which unlocked his potential as a disruptive force. His standout junior campaign earned him unanimous All-American honors and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award, cementing his status as one of the premier defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
HT: 6021
WT: 250
HAND: N/A
ARM: 3300
40: 4.47e
Abdul Carter 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Carter possesses a compact, well-built frame, offering a blend of speed, power, and agility that stands out even among elite college athletes. His reported 4.47-second 40-yard dash time highlights his exceptional burst, while his broad jump (over 10 feet) and power-clean numbers (350 lbs) underscore his explosive lower-body strength. Though slightly undersized for a traditional hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, his twitched-up athleticism and functional strength make him a versatile fit across multiple schemes.
Strengths
- Elite Explosiveness: Carter’s first-step quickness is a game-changer. He fires off the line with a rare burst, consistently beating offensive tackles to their outside shoulder and forcing quarterbacks to adjust their timing. His closing speed in pursuit is equally impressive, allowing him to chase down plays from the backside.
- Bend and Flexibility: Few EDGE rushers in this class can match Carter’s ability to bend the arc. His hip flexibility and ankle flexion enable him to dip low and turn tight corners, maintaining momentum as he flattens to the quarterback.
- Versatility: With a background as an off-ball linebacker, Carter brings a hybrid skill set. He’s comfortable dropping into shallow zones, spying mobile quarterbacks, or aligning wide to attack the edge. This adaptability adds value for creative defensive coordinators.
- Relentless Motor: Carter plays with an unrelenting intensity that wears down opponents. His high effort shows up in his pursuit of ball carriers and his ability to fight through contact, rarely taking plays off.
- Disruptive Impact: In 2024, he led the Big Ten in tackles for loss (23.5) and posted double-digit sacks (12.0), reflecting his knack for living in the backfield. His presence forces offenses to account for him on every snap.
Areas for Improvement
- Pass-Rush Refinement: While Carter wins with speed and athleticism, his pass-rush arsenal remains a work in progress. His hand usage lacks consistency and relies heavily on his first-step explosion rather than a developed set of counters. Improving his swipe, rip, and power moves will elevate his game against NFL tackles.
- Run Defense Discipline: Carter’s transition to EDGE exposed some growing pains against the run. He can be late to diagnose pulling linemen and occasionally overruns plays, leaving gaps vulnerable. His lighter frame also struggles to anchor against bigger, physical blockers.
- Block Shedding: At times, Carter gets stuck on blocks due to inconsistent leverage and arm extension. Adding functional strength and refining his ability to disengage will be critical for early-down success in the pros.
- Experience at Position: With only one full season as a true EDGE, Carter is still learning the nuances of playing on the line. His instincts and block recognition need time to catch up to his physical gifts.
Conclusion
Carter is a blue-chip talent with rare physical tools and a sky-high ceiling. While he’s not a finished product, his rapid development in just one year at EDGE suggests he’ll thrive with NFL coaching. Expect an immediate impact as a situational pass rusher, with the upside to evolve into a three-down star.
Carter’s 2024 tape is a highlight reel of disruption. Against Illinois, he exploded for multiple sacks and a flurry of pressures, showcasing his ability to take over games. His speed-to-power conversion was evident against Washington, where he drove tackles backward into the pocket. Even in the College Football Playoff, despite a late-season shoulder tweak, he remained a force, collapsing pockets and chasing down runners with sideline-to-sideline range. His linebacker roots are highlighted in coverage reps, where he fluidly mirrors tight ends and running backs, though these snaps were limited in his final year.
Carter projects best as a 3-4 outside linebacker, where he can pin his ears back and attack as a stand-up rusher while occasionally dropping into space. His athletic profile also suits a 4-3 scheme as a wide-9 defensive end, though he’ll need to bulk up slightly to handle early-down responsibilities. Teams like the Tennessee Titans (picking first overall) or the Cleveland Browns (needing a complement to Myles Garrett) could view him as a cornerstone defender. His ceiling draws comparisons to a less-polished Micah Parsons, with the potential to become a perennial Pro Bowler if he refines his technique.
Round Grade: 1st Round (Elite—Top 3 Pick)
Stats: Per Sports Reference
| Season | Team | G | Solo | Ast | TFL | Sk | PD | FR |
| 2022* | Penn State | 13 | 36 | 20 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023* | Penn State | 13 | 25 | 23 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2024* | Penn State | 16 | 43 | 25 | *24* | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| Career | 42 | 104 | 68 | 41 | 23 | 13 | 0 |
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