2025 NFL Draft star Abdul Carter: I 'influence the sport simply as a lot as a QB'

Penn State defensive finish Abdul Carter has remained adamant that he is the perfect participant out there within the 2025 NFL Draft, now including that he is as impactful as even the perfect gamers at arguably essentially the most pivotal place — quarterback.

“These nice defensive gamers … they’ll influence the sport simply as a lot as a quarterback,” Carter stated, per ESPN. “There [have] been defensive gamers who’ve taken over a recreation proper on the finish of [the] Tremendous Bowl in these playoff scenes the place you actually need that nice defensive participant — and he additionally makes individuals round him higher.

“So, I really feel like simply saying that, seeing how defensive gamers can take over a recreation, we’re identical to a quarterback.”

That stated, what does Carter convey to the desk that differentiates him from the remainder of the sphere?

“My general influence on the sport [and] my versatility,” he stated. “I can play a number of positions, and I really feel like, most significantly, I step up once I’m wanted essentially the most when crunch time comes round. While you want anyone to make that large play, I really feel like I am the man who makes that large play.

“On the finish of the day, I make individuals round me higher — simply take them on double-teams, bringing further consideration to me, releasing up anyone else to allow them to make the play — and simply my general influence on the sport.”

Carter, who performed three seasons at Penn State, was the 2024 Large Ten Defensive Participant of the 12 months after racking up 12.0 sacks, a conference-high 24 tackles for loss, two pressured fumbles, 4 passes defended and 68 mixed tackles. He compiled 11.0 sacks and three pressured fumbles from 2022-23.

It was revealed on the NFL Scouting Mix that Carter had a stress response in his proper foot. He additionally performed by means of a shoulder harm within the School Soccer Playoff. The foot situation noticed Carter decide towards doing drills at each the mix and Penn State’s professional day. Talking on the matter, Carter stated that he does not “really feel any ache” or want surgical procedure.

To this point, neither harm seems to be impacting the place Carter will land within the draft. With the Tennessee Titans wanting poised to pick out Miami Hurricanes quarterback and 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up Cameron Ward at No. 1, Carter has been constantly mocked anyplace between picks two and 4; the Cleveland Browns choose second, adopted by the New York Giants and New England Patriots.

[MORE: 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Titans take Cam Ward No. 1; Travis Hunter to Giants]

Carter is in competitors with Colorado Buffaloes two-way celebrity and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter to be the primary non-quarterback off the board.

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