Abdul Carter Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
School: Penn State
Class: Junior
Position: EDGE
HT: 6’3
WT: 252 lbs
Background: Abdul Carter is a former 4-star linebacker in the class of 2022 from Philadelphia, PA. Carter was a top-300 player nationally, a top-30 linebacker, and a top-10 player in Pennsylvania. Abdul played his high school ball for the state powerhouse, La Salle College. Carter was a team captain and MVP as a senior. He finished his career with two all-state selections and a PCL championship. Abdul Carter committed to Penn State over programs such as Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Michigan.
College: As a freshman at Penn State, Carter was named to the All-Big 10 second team and the Freshman All-American team. He followed a dominant freshman season with an even better sophomore season in 2023. Carter was a unanimous All-Big 10 First Team selection as a sophomore. He had 4.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss in a true breakout season. With the eyes of America on him, Carter posted even better numbers. He became the undisputed best edge in America after tallying 11 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss.
Strengths: Abdul Carter is an edge rusher who combines twitchy athleticism with sheer power. Carter has a quick first step and gets adjacent to the offensive tackle before the ball has even reached the quarterback’s hands. Carter can win with both speed and power. His bend around the edge allows him to get under the offensive lineman without losing any momentum. He can also convert his speed to power at the point of attack, knocking linemen back off their foundation. Carter has the speed to keep up with the shifty, mobile quarterbacks, chasing them down from anywhere on the field. Carter has all of the measurables that you look for in an edge rusher. His length and overall size provide for a tough matchup for opponents. Carter has been used all over the field for Penn State. Along with his normal edge spot, he has also played at middle linebacker and outside linebacker in coverage. Due to his loose hips and plus instincts, he is quite effective in coverage. His football IQ is on full display when he is asked to drop back in coverage and he sticks to tight ends like glue.
Weaknesses: Carter has a minor issue with getting too antsy at the line of scrimmage. Occasionally, he will try to jump the snap and instead commit an offsides penalty. He also needs to improve on using functional movements. He can afford to use more intentional pass rush moves in the phone booth. Too often he can be seen hand slapping instead of chopping the grip of offensive linemen.
Conclusion: Abdul Carter is the best player in the 2025 class. He is a true “5 tool” edge rusher who has a large variety of tools at his disposal that will translate to the next level. He will be best utilized in a 4-man front in a 2-point stance. His ability to convert speed to power when standing is next to none. Expect Carter to make an immediate impact for whatever team he goes to.
Scheme Fit: 4-man Front
Ideal Role: EDGE 2-point stance
Best Team Fits: TEN, ATL, NE
Player Comparison: Von Miller
Player Grade: Early Round 1 (97.7)
