Giants take a 'bust-proof' player in Penn State's Abdul Carter

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Carter has the size, experience, mentality, versatility and aggressiveness to find instant success as a game wrecker in the NFL.  

In his first full season as a defensive end — he played a traditional linebacker role during his first two college seasons, Carter took his game to another level. Carter recorded 68 total tackles, 24 for a loss and 12 sacks in 16 games with the Nittany Lions in 2024. 

Digging deeper than just looking at the numbers, Carter’s 92.0 PFF pass-rushing grade was the highest among FBS edge defenders with at least 300 pass-rushing snaps. 

As a linebacker, Carter made 48 tackles in 2023 and 56 the year before in 13 games per season.

Carter is a player who always makes his presence felt when on the field and forces opponents to respect what he brings to the table. 

"He’s an all-around player, and what really stands out to me is his motor. He plays the game the right way. You got a lot of respect for how hard he plays," said SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee ahead of facing Carter and Penn State in their College Football Playoff game. 

Despite growing up an Eagles fan, Carter also appears ready to motivated to help make the Giants a contender once again.

"I’m all New York,” Carter said. “New York is going to get everything from me."

Carter has every tangible and intangible quality needed to become an elite player. And since more questions and variables surround the other top players selected, the smart money is on Carter as much of a lock as it gets.