As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one defensive name is generating buzz alongside high-profile offensive prospects: Abdul Carter. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound edge rusher from Penn State has been called a “generational talent” by none other than Bengals great Chad Johnson, who made a bold comparison during a recent episode of Shannon Sharpe’s “Nightcap” show.
Chad Johnson Sees Shades of Von Miller, Micah Parsons in Abdul Carter
Johnson didn’t hold back in his praise, stating, “I look at Abdul Carter and I see him similar to that of a Von Miller, similar to that of a Micah Parsons. Being able to change and impact the game tremendously, a play-right-now type of player — that’s a good one. Cause I’m not talking about just any type of player. I see Abdul Carter as a transcending talent, a generational talent, similar to the two players that I just named.”
Carter’s trajectory from a promising high school athlete to a national standout has only fueled the comparisons. Opting to stay in-state and join Penn State, a program steeped in linebacker tradition, he was initially valued for his athleticism, high motor, and versatile frame.
Though he began his college career slowly in terms of sacks, Carter’s freshman year ended on a high note, highlighted by a streak of quarterback pressures and a second-team All-Big Ten selection.
His sophomore campaign saw a dip in raw numbers but a surge in recognition, earning him first-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-American honors. It was his junior season, however, that cemented his status as one of the top prospects in the draft.
Carter posted 68 tackles and 12 sacks while starting all 16 games in Penn State’s playoff run. He was an omnipresent force on the field, described by many as the defensive version of the Tasmanian Devil for his relentless disruption.
His college performance has propelled him into top-three draft consideration, alongside offensive stars like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. With the Cleveland Browns holding the No. 2 overall pick, it’s becoming increasingly likely that Carter won’t fall beyond that spot.
Johnson’s comparison to Miller and Parsons — a Super Bowl MVP and a perennial All-Pro, respectively — puts Carter in elite company. His pass-rushing ability, sideline-to-sideline speed, and game-changing instincts mirror those of the stars he’s being likened to. As teams evaluate their draft boards, Carter’s name stands out not just for his statistics, but for what he represents: the next great defensive force in the NFL.