Abdul Carter LB Penn State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Abdul Carter LB Penn State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: BOX LB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 06/05/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.48 seconds (96%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: BOX LB | |
| Last Updated: 06/05/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.48 seconds (96%*) | |
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| Overall Rating: | 88.0 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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80% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Tackling: |
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48% |
| Pass Rush: |
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96% |
| Run Defense: |
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72% |
| Coverage: |
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62% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Mid
Overall Rank:
#20
Position rank:
#2
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| College Games: 25 College Snaps: 1050 | ||
ESPN RATING: 80/100
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247 RATING: 90/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Turner - Alabama |
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68% |
| Derick Hall - Auburn |
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65% |
| Chris Braswell - Alabama |
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62% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Abdul Carter, a standout linebacker from La Salle College High School, was a 4-star recruit according to ESPN and 247 Sports. After committing to Penn State, Carter quickly made an impact on the field. During his freshman season in 2022, he played 12 games, recording 41 tackles, 10 assists, and 34 stops. He also added one pass breakup and 18 total pressures, including 8 sacks.
In 2023, Carter continued to excel, playing in 13 games and accumulating 33 tackles, 8 assists, and 31 stops. He improved in coverage with 3 pass breakups and one interception. As a pass rusher, he registered 27 pressures, including 4 sacks. His performance earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and second-team honors from the media.
Changed position ahead of the 2024 season - will now play exclusively as an edge.
Carter's accolades include being named a second-team All-American by Sports Illustrated and earning multiple All-Big Ten honors.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Super athletic - Made Bruce Feldman's Freak's List at #43. He Wrote: "Carter flashed spectacular talent as a true freshman, making 10.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks and breaking up four passes. At 6-3, 250, Carter clocked a 4.48 40, had a 4.35 shuttle and broad-jumped 10-7. He also power-cleaned 350."
- Excellent closing speed, making him effective against relatively immobile quarterbacks.
- Displays heavy hitting and explosiveness, capable of forcing fumbles and breaking up plays.
- Dynamic edge rusher with NFL-caliber quickness and flexibility to bend the edge.
- Long arms help him drag down quarterbacks and running backs efficiently.
- Downhill defender with physical tackling ability, demonstrating good awareness and discipline.
- Combines strong instincts with quick reaction skills, often finding the ball in traffic.
- Ranked third in pass rush win rate among 1,001 players with 100 or more snaps in 2023.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Tends to overrun plays, which can open up cutback lanes for counter runs.
- Lacks the strength to consistently anchor against stronger blockers.
- Struggles with open-field tackling, missing 16 tackles in 2023.
- Allows some serious yards after the catch, highlighting issues in pass coverage.
- Inexperience at the edge position shows, particularly against more complex offensive schemes.
Scouting Report: Summary
Abdul Carter's transition from linebacker to edge rusher highlights his elite athletic traits, including burst off the snap and closing speed. His ability to pressure the quarterback and create havoc in the backfield stands out, making him a potential impact player on passing downs. Carter's size, speed, and flexibility to bend the edge are coveted in the NFL.
However, Carter's game comes with some concerns. His tendency to over-pursue and miss tackles in open space could be a liability. Additionally, his inexperience at the edge position and occasional struggles in coverage suggest he will need time to refine his technique and instincts. Teams will need to coach up his hand usage and block-shedding skills.
Carter's raw athleticism and upside as a pass rusher make him an intriguing draft prospect. With development, he has the potential to become a seriously disruptive edge defender with some major upside at the next level.
How other scouting services rate Abdul Carter (Overall Rank)
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.