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Abdul Carter NFL Draft update: Penn State All-American goes to New York; what should Giants fans know about him?

Greg Pickelby: Greg Pickel04/25/25GregPickel
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Abdul Carter. (Credit: Steve Manuel | Blue White Illustrated)

Penn State All-American Abdul Carter is officially off the board at the 2025 NFL Draft. The Philadelphia native will start his pro career in New York. The Giants took him with the No. 3 overall pick during Thursday night’s first round in Green Bay, Wisc. Carter was on hand to stroll across the stage, shake commissioner Roger Goodell’s hand, and pose for a photo with his new team’s jersey.

Carter is the Lions’ highest draft pick since Saquon Barkley also went to the New York Giants, although at No. 2, back in 2018. He is the highest-taken Penn State defensive end since Courtney Brown went No. 1 overall in 2000. And, he is the 12th program alum to go in the top five.

A two-year starter, Carter played a first-team number of snaps as a freshman, as well. He moved from linebacker to defensive end in 2024 and flourished during his third and final season in State College. He totaled 68 tackles (23.5 for loss, which was the most in the country), 12 sacks, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles en route to becoming the Lions’ 15th unanimous All-American. Carter was also the Big Ten defensive lineman and defensive player of the year in 2024.

Carter came to Penn State as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2022 who was the No. 222 player overall and the No. 22 linebacker. He left as the No. 10 player overall and No. 1 edge in On3’s college rankings. His move to defensive end last year was expected to be but not guaranteed to be a success. But, the Penn State standout flourished in his new role. In the NFL, he will bring a strong pass-rushing skill set with the ability to play off the ball, as well.

Penn State football live blog: Nittany Lions in the 2025 NFL Draft

At the start of the pre-draft process, Carter strongly believed that he should be the No. 1 overall pick. However, few if any mock drafts ever indicated that would be the likely outcome. However, all analysts thought he would go in the top five, which is, of course, exactly what happened. That was true even after a shoulder injury suffered during the Penn State College Football Playoff run, followed by a previously undiagnosed foot issue, kept him off the field at both the NFL Combine and the Lions’ Pro Day.

New York fans can celebrate that the Giants are getting an instant impact contributor who will be among the favorites for the defensive rookie of the year honor once odds are released later this year.