Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter is entering the 2025 NFL Draft following the Nittany Lions’ College Football Playoff run coming to an end, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“Penn State consensus All American defensive end Abdul Carter has entered the 2025 NFL Draft and hired Drew Rosenhaus, Robert Bailey and Jason Rosenhaus to represent him. ‘I expect Abdul will be one of the top picks of this draft and a future All Pro,’ Drew Rosenhaus said,” Schefter posted on X.

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. Carter has 12 sacks in 2024 alone.

Something that might endear Carter to NFL teams was his willingness to play through injury in the CFP Semifinals against Notre Dame. Despite the Nittany Lions falling short, Carter was a game-wrecker while dealign with an upper-body injury. It certainly wasn’t his fault Penn State didn’t make it to the finale.

Moving forward, Carter will likely be an instant impact player in the NFL, and he won’t have to wait long to hear his name called come April. Whichever team drafts him will be getting a defensive stud for years to come.

Micah Parsons expresses desire to play with Abdul Carter in NFL

Moreover, playing linebacker and wearing No. 11 is one of the highest honors at Penn State. Two greats have come in recent years, with Abdul Carter currently dawning the number. He came into the program not too long after Micah Parsons left for the NFL, instantly becoming one of the league’s stars.

Now, Parsons is looking to team up with Carter at the next level. While watching Penn State play in the College Football Playoff, the current Dallas Cowboy expressed his desire to play alongside Carter. The only people against the idea might be NFL offensive tackles.

“It’s only right the NFL lets me and Abdul play together!!” Parsons said via X, willing the scenario into existence.

One issue does present Parsons — Carter is likely not in the range of the Cowboys. They currently have the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, well after where Carter is currently projected. Some believe he is the best player available this cycle, having a chance to go No. 1.

So unless Jerry Jones makes some kind of major move, the two teaming up is highly unlikely. Even so, it’s something fun to think about. Two elite edge rushers from the same school playing at a high level together in the NFL.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this article.