NFL Analyst Uses One Word To Describe Abdul Carter’s Spring

In a move that could redefine their defensive identity for years to come, the New York Giants selected Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Carter, widely regarded as one of the most explosive defenders in college football, thrived at Penn State as a do-it-all weapon. Whether lining up inside, crashing the edge, or rushing from the interior, his presence was felt all over the field at Happy Valley.

The Giants are hoping Carter becomes a foundational piece of a feared front seven that already boasts multiple proven pass-rushers. Though the pads have yet to come on in training camp, Carter is already turning heads in offseason workouts.

ESPN’s NFL reporters released updates regarding all 32 first-round picks and used one word to describe Abdul Carter’s performance so far:

“Explosive. That was evident from the moment Carter stepped on the field. “He looks quick,” veteran middle linebacker Bobby Okereke said of his first impression. Carter didn’t look out of place physically or mentally early in his Giants tenure so far. He was used all over the field this spring — as an edge rusher, defensive tackle and inside linebacker. If the offseason indicated anything, it’s that his usage will be something to watch this season. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has already noted Carter’s versatility. Bowen’s job is to find a way to put the best 11 players on the field, and based on the way Carter moves, early indications are that he is clearly among them. — Jordan Raanan”

Raanan isn’t the only one singing his praises. USA Today’s Art Stapleton, who was in attendance during Giants OTAs, had glowing reviews after watching Carter up close.

Abdul Carter Scouting Report via Lance Zierlein

“Carter has the urgency and athletic talent to bombard the stat sheet. He’s always first out and first into contact after the snap but can dart into gaps or around blocks as a penetrator. He’s willing to scrap at the point of attack; additional time in the weight room might be in order for his move up in class. Carter rushes with a rabid, all-game intensity that’s hard for opponents to match. He explodes out of the blocks and can force tackles to abandon their technique to go catch him. He can bend and flatten at the top of the rush or hit a game-breaking spin counter inside. He’s good with his hands but needs to keep working in that area to prevent long punchers from knocking him off-course. Carter’s explosiveness, hunger and body control should have him on track to become a highly productive 3-4 rush linebacker with Pro Bowl talent.”

Expectations are sky-high for the rookie and understandably so. Carter led the nation with 24 tackles for loss and totaled 12.0 sacks in his final season at Penn State. His play style has drawn comparisons to that of former Nittany Lion Micah Parsons, a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler.

If Carter lives up to his billing, this pick could mark a turning point not just for the Giants’ defense but for the entire franchise.

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