Scouting Report: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State (2025 Draft Class)

Abdul Carter is one of the most exciting EDGE prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, boasting elite athleticism, versatility, and a relentless motor. His ability to rush the passer and contribute in the run game makes him a three-down player with immense upside. While he needs to refine his play recognition and develop a deeper arsenal of pass-rush moves, his physical traits and work ethic give him All-Pro potential.

Vitals:

Height: 6’3″
Weight: 250 lbs
Class: Sophomore

Strengths:

Explosive First Step: Carter’s first step is lightning-quick, allowing him to immediately gain an advantage off the edge. His burst is among the best in this draft class, making him a constant threat to offensive tackles.
High Motor and Relentlessness: Carter’s energy and effort are evident on every snap. He pursues plays with tenacity, often chasing down ball carriers from the backside or disrupting plays downfield.

Versatility: While primarily an EDGE rusher, Carter has the athleticism to drop into coverage or line up as an off-ball linebacker. His flexibility makes him a valuable chess piece for defensive coordinators.
Strong Hand Usage: Carter has a developing arsenal of pass-rush moves, including a powerful rip and swim technique. His active hands help him disengage from blockers and create chaos in the backfield.

Run-Defense Ability: Despite his pass-rushing prowess, Carter is also strong against the run. He sets the edge well and uses his strength to stack and shed blockers, maintaining gap integrity.
Athleticism: Carter possesses elite athletic traits, including lateral agility, balance, and closing speed. His ability to bend around the edge without losing momentum is particularly impressive.

Weaknesses:

Play Recognition: While his instincts are solid, Carter occasionally bites on misdirection plays or play-action, taking himself out of position.
Counter Moves: Though his primary rush moves are effective, Carter needs to expand his repertoire of counters to handle seasoned NFL tackles.

Size and Strength vs. NFL Tackles: At 250 lbs, Carter is slightly undersized compared to traditional EDGE defenders. He may need to add bulk without sacrificing his explosiveness to handle power-oriented tackles at the next level.

Consistency: Carter occasionally disappears in games, especially when faced with double teams or strong offensive lines. Maintaining a consistent impact will be key to his development.

NFL Comparison: Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys), with similar versatility and explosiveness.

Projection: Top 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.