Abdul Carter is widely regarded as one of the premier talents entering the 2025 NFL draft, and a closer look reveals the foundation of his burgeoning stardom.
Who is Abdul Carter?
Abdul Jabar Carter was born on Oct. 3, 2003, in Philadelphia. He is the son of Tina and Christopher Carter and has four siblings: sisters Cheryl and Cianie, and brothers Hakim and Isaiah.
According to his Penn State Nittany Lions profile, Carter has always possessed a strong competitive drive. His hobbies include playing video games, pool, and chess, which he uses to sharpen his mental acuity. He also dedicated time to volunteering as a tutor and pursued a major in computer science at Penn State.
Carter began to gain recognition at La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, Pa. During his senior year, he recorded 78 tackles, which led to a four-star recruiting rating and significant interest from numerous schools. Despite offers from Mississippi and South Carolina, Carter ultimately committed to Penn State.
His initial experience at Penn State didn’t unfold as anticipated; an ejection in his debut game against Purdue resulted in him spending the majority of his freshman season as a reserve linebacker. However, he earned his first start in week seven and quickly made his presence felt, leading the team with 6.5 sacks and 56 tackles. This performance earned him a spot on the second-team All-Big Ten Conference.
Carter concluded the 2024 season with 68 total tackles, 12 sacks, and two forced fumbles, spearheading Penn State’s defensive unit to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Despite being a four-star recruit, he made an immediate impact as a freshman for the Nittany Lions and is now considered one of the top athletes expected to enter the NFL.
Where Will Abdul Carter Land in the NFL Draft?
The edge rusher is widely projected to be among the first players selected in this year’s NFL draft. He had an outstanding 2024 season, earning unanimous All-America honors and being named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
Carter’s exceptional athleticism, combined with impressive acceleration off the line and the ability to defeat tackles, makes him a truly remarkable talent. His previous experience as an off-ball linebacker has also given him good awareness, allowing him to effectively cover the flats and disrupt passes.
NFL insider Albert Breer reported on X that Carter will be visiting the New England Patriots, who hold the fourth overall pick. Notably, Carter is only scheduled to visit the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants, indicating a strong belief that he will be selected within the top four picks.
The Patriots are hosting Penn State DE Abdul Carter in Foxboro on a 30 visit on Monday, per sources. It’s the last of his four scheduled 30 visits—his plan has been to ONLY take those four, with the four teams (Titans, Browns, Giants, Patriots) atop the draft.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 10, 2025
College Football Network’s latest three-round mock draft has Carter going No. 2 overall to the Browns. A defensive line featuring him and Myles Garrett would present a formidable challenge for opposing offenses. Jordan Mullahy described Carter as “by far the best overall prospect in this draft and will be an instant impact player.”
The Browns face an interesting quarterback situation with Watson’s significant contract, leading to speculation that they might focus on other positions in the draft. While Hunter is a compelling option for many teams due to his desire to play both offense and defense, the quarterback class beyond Cam Ward and Sanders is not considered exceptionally deep, potentially causing teams to prioritize other needs.
KEEP READING: Abdul Carter To Visit Patriots After Latest Mocks Place Him At No. 3 in 2025 NFL Draft
There is no question regarding Carter’s talent. He is almost certain to be a top-five pick, and whichever team drafts him will be acquiring a potential defensive superstar.
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