Abdul Carter was one of the best prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft and was once in contention to go No. 1 overall. The New York Giants selected him with the third pick following his impressive three-year career at Penn State.
In an Instagram post, Carter believes he isn’t a typical rookie and is ready to make an impact right from Week 1.
Abdul Carter Suggests He Is Ready To Take Over the NFL in Year 1 With the New York Giants
Before a stress reaction in his right foot was discovered during a medical recheck at the NFL Combine, Carter had a legitimate shot at being the No. 1 pick. However, the Tennessee Titans, in need of a quarterback, selected Cam Ward first overall. The Giants, holding steady at No. 3, landed the consensus top defensive player in the class.
Now fully healthy, Carter participated in all of New York’s offseason programs. The 21-year-old is slated to start and has already issued a warning to the rest of the league not to view him as just another rookie.
“Year 1, I ain’t no rookie been playing this game a long time, ball is ball. I love this s**t,” he wrote in an Instagram post, alongside photos from his official Giants team shoot.
View this post on Instagram
Carter is listed as a starting linebacker for the Giants but is expected to play primarily on the EDGE. In his final season at Penn State, Carter posted 68 total tackles (43 solo), 24 tackles for loss, 12.0 sacks, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. His dominant campaign earned him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024.
It’s all the more impressive considering it was his first full season playing EDGE. At 6’3″ and 250 pounds, Carter still has room to improve against the run and may struggle at times against combo and duo blocks. But his upside is undeniable.
Abdul Carter showing off his spin move 😳🌪️ pic.twitter.com/6FIhx8L9UF
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 12, 2025
As a pass rusher and pursuit threat, Carter brings rare explosiveness and closing speed. He combines that burst with speed-to-power conversion, impressive bend, and powerful, disciplined hand usage. His background as an off-ball linebacker also adds versatility, as he can blitz from multiple angles, disguise pressure packages, and drop into coverage when needed.
At his peak, Carter has the potential to be a game-wrecker. With elite athleticism and natural pass-rushing instincts, he could be one of the few rookies truly ready to make a Pro Bowl-level impact from Day 1.
