Some believe former Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter is the best player available in the 2025 NFL Draft. Carter’s ferocious athleticism — and the fact that he wore the same number at Penn State — has drawn plenty of comparisons to Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons.
But how does Carter stack up against current NFL players, and what might we expect from him come September?
How Tall Is Abdul Carter?
Carter stands 6’3″ for a rather average frame. For comparison, that’s the same height as new Seattle Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who recently had a public falling out with Parsons.
His height puts him roughly in the middle of the pack for edge rushers. Seven-year NFL veteran linebacker Dennis Gardeck made 97 career appearances for the Arizona Cardinals at six feet tall. On the other end of the scale, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead was one of five edge rushers listed at six feet, seven inches in 2024.
How Much Does Carter Weigh?
Carter weighs in at 250 pounds — the same as Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett, who is an inch shorter. Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy is the same height as Carter and just five pounds heavier, making him a solid comparison.
Another obvious comp for Carter is Parsons. He’s also 6’3″ but weighs five pounds less.
How Old Is Carter?
Carter was born on Jan. 2, 2004, which makes him 21 years old.
What School Did Carter Go To?
Carter joined Penn State from La Salle College High School as a four-star recruit. He spent his entire three-year college career with the Nittany Lions.
Revisiting Carter’s College Career
Carter burst onto the scene at Penn State. His freshman year included 56 combined tackles (36 solo), 11 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and four passes defended.
His second season saw a slight drop in tackles, but he grabbed his first (and only) career interception in 2023. That year, he posted 48 tackles (25 solo), six tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and five passes defended.
Then came his breakout in 2024 — a season where he posted a career-high 24 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Those 24 tackles for loss led the Big Ten and made good on his full-time switch to edge rusher.
How Fast Was Carter’s 40-Yard Dash?
Carter didn’t run the 40 at the NFL Combine or at Penn State’s Pro Day due to a shoulder injury. Still, his draft stock hasn’t taken a hit. His explosive athleticism is more than evident on tape.
Carter’s NFL Outlook
Carter isn’t just expected to start right away — he’s expected to make a significant impact in Year 1. Pass rushers are among the most influential players on an NFL field when it comes to shifting momentum. Carter’s blend of speed and intensity makes him a player teams can build their defense around.
Given the draft order, the Cleveland Browns (No. 2) are among the teams favored to take Carter. If that happens, he’d line up opposite the league’s most feared pass rusher: Myles Garrett. Garrett recently signed long-term with the team, and pairing him with Carter could instantly give the Browns the most dangerous pass-rushing duo in the NFL.
If the New York Giants take him third overall, he’d be positioned for similar success with Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns taking attention away from him.
