New York Giants select Abdul Carter in first round of 2025 NFL Draft

Former Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter has been selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Carter was regarded as one of the best defenders at the collegiate level last season, and many are excited to see what he’s able to accomplish at the professional level after his selection.

The defensive star has been a dominating force for Penn State throughout his time in Happy Valley. All told, he spent three seasons with the program, amassing 173 total tackles, 23 sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception as a Nittany Lion. Carter totaled 12 sacks in 2024 alone and led the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss. He’ll look to produce similar numbers one day as he begins his NFL career.

Something that might endear Carter to NFL teams was his willingness to play through injury like he did during the CFP Semifinals against Notre Dame. Despite the Nittany Lions falling short against the Irish, Carter was a game-wrecker while dealing with an upper-body injury. He finished that game with five tackles and a sack.

Moving forward, Carter is expected to be an instant impact player in the NFL. That’s why he didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called by the commissioner.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Abdul Carter

Now that Abdul Carter has been drafted, fans may be wondering what to expect from their new pass rusher. NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein provided his analysis of the EDGE.

Zierlein: Carter has the urgency and athletic talent to bombard the stat sheet. He’s always first out and first into contact after the snap but can dart into gaps or around blocks as a penetrator. He’s willing to scrap at the point of attack; additional time in the weight room might be in order for his move up in class.

“Carter rushes with a rabid, all-game intensity that’s hard for opponents to match. He explodes out of the blocks and can force tackles to abandon their technique to go catch him. He can bend and flatten at the top of the rush or hit a game-breaking spin counter inside.

“He’s good with his hands but needs to keep working in that area to prevent long punchers from knocking him off-course. Carter’s explosiveness, hunger and body control should have him on track to become a highly productive 3-4 rush linebacker with Pro Bowl talent.”