NFL Draft Yearbook 2025 – Abdul Carter Scouting Report

Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

Edge Defenders – Grade: A+

Positional Overview:

This year’s edge defenders’ class is an exceptionally strong group which could produce as many as 6-7 #1 picks. There are several blue-chip prospects at the top and probably 10-12 could go in the top 50 selections. There could be as many as 15+ in the top three rounds with as many as 25+ thru the middle rounds. Abdul Carter is the best edge defender in this draft class and could be a top four overall pick. He is NFL ready and a three-down starter. He is an explosive edge defender and the best of this class. Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams are fast-rising players who figure in the top 10 selections. Walker has the freakish athleticism to fit both NFL fronts as an edge rusher. Walker is well-developed and can be a day one starter and difference maker. Shemar Stewart had an impressive postseason and displayed special talent at the Senior Bowl. He is rated a top 30 selection with a prospect with impact ability in either scheme. James Pearce is a quality edge rusher with fine production and has developed talent to start in either front. Ditto Donovan Ezeiruaku and Mike Green who are explosive edge rushers who impressed at the Senior Bowl. They are first round bubble prospects. Landon Jackson and Jack Sawyer are tough three down defenders with early impact ability. Jackson had a strong Senior Bowl and figures in the late 1st or early 2nd round. Sawyer was brilliant in the postseason and the key defender in the Buckeyes national title. Oluwafemi Oladejo is a player on the rise and coveted by both fronts. He is an emerging edge rusher who may be the wild card of the 2nd day of the process. Up to fifteen prospects figure in the top 100 picks and fit the edge rusher role. There should be an expected run throughout the top 150 picks especially from the 2nd thru the 4th rounds. With the huge demand for rushers, clubs will draft into this deep group for prospects. Expect approximately 35-45 prospects chosen over the three-days with the importance of rushers playing a huge part in game strategy. This is a top-heavy and deep class through the middle rounds and one of the best groups in recent memory.

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Edge Defenders

1 Abdul Carter #11 Penn State 6-3, 250 – Sp. 4.50
NFL Comparison: Von Miller Rating 93

Explosive edge rusher has flashed dominant skills since his true freshman season in the tough Nittany Lion defense. Elite burst off the edge to pressure blockers with the ability to bend the edge and run the arc to finish with big plays. Converts speed to power very well. Long arms and strong athletic frame give him the components of Pro Bowl players like, Von Miller and Micah Parsons. Next in the long line of PSU edge defenders following former top defender Parsons. His elite burst vs Big Ten blockers allowed him to post 23 sacks and 19 pressures over his short three seasons. Played off backer at times especially earlier in his career and graded out well vs the run and the ability to drop in coverage. He has only touched the surface of his pass rushing talent. Plays a disciplined game and has shown the ability to play the run well. Holds the edge and has learned to separate quickly from blocks with the ability to pick up the ball and burst to finish. Chiseled frame with long arms and fast hands and the speed to go sideline to sideline. Elite get off with the ability to gain a fast advantage off the edge and the ability to bend and finish. Production improved annually as he learned finer points of play to handle that special attention. Shows the ability to strike with a strong punch, dip his shoulder and bend the edge, in addition to counter inside. Explosive on the delay blitz where his burst can hit openings and finish quickly. Shows developed inside move to hit an opening. Anchors well to hold the point in run defense along with the speed to pursue and make plays from the backside. His coverage skills are good, yet still in the development process. Shows all the AA to refine those skills. Three down defender and scheme diverse who can line up outside/inside in either scheme. Dominant final performance with 12 sacks and 24 pressures in most of his reps from the edge. His pressing foot issue is a definite concern. It is an injury with major impact on his initial ability to come off the snap and in many cases requires a screw to stabilize the foot. Second best defensive player in the draft and probable top 3-5 selection. Best football ahead and capable of being a dominant Pro-Bowler if healthy.

Draft Projection: 1st Round – Top 5 Selection

NFL Draft Yearbook 2025 – Abdul Carter Scouting Report