Abdul Carter — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0
Leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, we will track where Penn State Nittany Lions edge rusher Abdul Carter appears in the latest NFL mock drafts.
Abdul Carter NFL Mock Drafts
Here are some of the latest mock drafts in which Carter has appeared:
No. 1 overall — Tennessee Titans
I think this Penn State product is either going first or second overall. It really felt like Chad Brinker's "generational talent" comment boiled down to one of two players: Carter or Travis Hunter.
No. 1 overall — Tennessee Titans
There has been buzz that Tennessee could pass on a quarterback in favor of a different position group. If it is not sold on Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, but loves Abdul Carter, then that is the direction that it should go rather than forcing a situation.
No. 2 overall — Cleveland Browns
Despite an obvious need at QB, the Browns opt to pair Carter with Myles Garrett to give the defense a dynamic duo on the edges.
No. 7 overall — New York Jets
This would be quite the get for the Jets at No. 7. Carter has upside as a true pass rushing ace who would inject the venom back into what has been a deep unit in recent years. Carter has an explosive get-off and the bend to turn the corner on tackles. He's still inconsistent playing the run, which means you won't see many Carter-Will McDonald pairings on early downs, but he would keep the cupboard full of pass rushing options for Aaron Glenn and new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
The Athletic — Baumgardner/Dochterman
No. 1 overall — Tennessee Titans
The ideal option for the Titans would be to trade this pick. I can understand why many would argue for a quarterback here, but I'm not completely sold on either Ward or Sanders being the answer to a team's prayers — at least not right away.
Carter is the closest thing we've seen to Micah Parsons since ... Micah Parsons. He's a true game-changer who has improved almost every time he's taken the field, had dominant stretches in the College Football Playoff and isn't close to his ceiling yet.
Carter is the closest thing we've seen to Micah Parsons since ... Micah Parsons. He's a true game-changer who has improved almost every time he's taken the field, had dominant stretches in the College Football Playoff and isn't close to his ceiling yet.
No. 2 overall — Cleveland Browns
It's unclear whether Deshaun Watson (Achilles, contract), the latest example in Cleveland's well-documented struggles to find a franchise quarterback, will even play in 2025 after reinjuring his Achilles and playing (mostly poorly) in 19 starts over the past three years. Will they use this pick on Shedeur Sanders (despite Deion not wanting his son to play there)? While they may not care about Deion's feelings, that could be shared to entice others (Giants, Raiders or another team) to trade up so the Browns can "maximize [this pick] in another way."
If it's not a quarterback, this pick will come down to Carter or Colorado's Travis Hunter. As unique and talented as college football's ironman may be, you could make the case that Carter is the top prospect regardless of position in this class. The explosive edge rusher finished with 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss in his first season as a full-time edge defender after converting from off-ball linebacker. Pairing Carter with Myles Garrett will lead to many sleepless nights for opposing quarterbacks.
If it's not a quarterback, this pick will come down to Carter or Colorado's Travis Hunter. As unique and talented as college football's ironman may be, you could make the case that Carter is the top prospect regardless of position in this class. The explosive edge rusher finished with 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss in his first season as a full-time edge defender after converting from off-ball linebacker. Pairing Carter with Myles Garrett will lead to many sleepless nights for opposing quarterbacks.
No. 1 overall — Tennessee Titans
What if...Chad Brinker is trying to tell us something? "You can't pass up on a generational talent...we won't do that." The quote shook the status quo of early 2025 NFL Draft projections with the idea that Tennessee, despite landing the No. 1 overall pick, may not be a lock for a quarterback. What if this team lands Sam Darnold in free agency? What if they secure Kirk Cousins at a discount? What if they trade for veteran quarterback Derek Carr from the Saints in a rebuild? If the Titans will get creative at quarterback, this team's options at No. 1 open up the multi-verse. If they intend to take a special player, few are hotter right now than Penn State pass rush star Abdul Carter.
No. 1 overall — Tennessee Titans
My ears perked up when Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker said the team wouldn't pass on a generational talent with the first pick. To me, Carter is the best player in the draft and he plays a premium position. I could see Tennessee looking to add competition for QB Will Levis in the free-agent market or later on in the draft.
No. 4 overall — New England Patriots
Carter is instinctive and fast, and he seems to always be around the ball. He converted from off-ball linebacker to the edge this season and dominated to the tune of 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. For a New England team that struggled to get pressure, Carter would be a massive addition. New coach Mike Vrabel could move him around and use his disruptive traits to improve the Patriots' league-low sack count (28).
New England also has glaring holes at receiver and on the offensive line. If Hunter is still on the board, he fits. Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan makes some sense, too. And there's a shot the Pats will get an offer to trade back, which would put them in a better spot to take one of the top offensive tackles. But Carter -- my No. 2 prospect -- could take this defense to another level.
New England also has glaring holes at receiver and on the offensive line. If Hunter is still on the board, he fits. Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan makes some sense, too. And there's a shot the Pats will get an offer to trade back, which would put them in a better spot to take one of the top offensive tackles. But Carter -- my No. 2 prospect -- could take this defense to another level.
More roundups: NFL Teams | NFL Draft Prospects