2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Penn State Edge Defender Abdul Carter

The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and we've got you covered with in-depth scouting reports on all of the top prospects at every position in this year's class.

Here's everything you need to know about Penn State edge defender Abdul Carter heading into the 2025 draft:

Vitals

Height: 6-3

Weight: 252

Age: 21

Strengths

Absolute lightning in a bottle, Carter brings elite explosiveness as a pass rusher, making him nearly impossible to block with just one player. Despite making the transition from off-ball linebacker to edge defender, Carter displayed a wide range of effective pass-rushing moves in 2024, showing the ability to string counters together and beat opposing blockers with elite bend, balance and hand usage. His experience off the ball also gives him valuable versatility when it comes to dropping into coverage, and his overall athleticism allows him to survive in space and chase plays down from sideline to sideline. When he gets to the quarterback, Carter knows how to finish with the ball in mind, create takeaway opportunities and splash plays for the defense.

Weaknesses

It’s not easy to find a significant flaw in Carter’s game, but it’s possible his lack of experience on the edge could end up causing some growing pains early in his NFL career, especially against the most polished and experienced offensive tackles in the league. He was nursing a shoulder injury at the end of the 2024 season, so his medical evaluations throughout the predraft process could also be key to his evaluation.

Updated 2025 NFL Draft Rankings By Position

QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | Interior OL | EDGE | Interior DL | LB | CB | S

Final Analysis

Defenders who can switch positions and still maintain a level of play like we saw from Carter in 2024 don’t come around every year. He’s an elite athlete at a premium position who can take over games single-handedly, and his versatility and technical prowess should allow Carter to make an instant impact, regardless of scheme. He can make a strong case as perhaps the best overall player in this year’s class.

GRADE: 1st Round