In a new 2025 NFL mock draft, ESPN’s Matt Miller has the Cleveland Browns landing explosive Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter.
Carter was predominantly an off-ball linebacker who will be moving to edge rusher for the Nittany Lions full-time this year. Does that sound like another All-Pro pass rusher from Penn State currently lining up for the Dallas Cowboys?
In his first two seasons at Penn State, Carter has racked up 11 total sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Look for those numbers to take a massive leap forward as he will spend much more time off the edge in 2024.
Here is what Miller had to say on Carter and his fit with the Browns:
“Cleveland has the league’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year in pass-rusher Myles Garrett, but there’s room to add more to the defensive line if a player like Carter is on the board. He’d slide in opposite Garrett — where veteran Za’Darius Smith is now — and boost an already elite unit.”
While the Browns re-signed Za’Darius Smith to a two-year deal, they do tend to draft a year out, so adding an edge rusher in next year’s draft would not be a total surprise. They do, however, still have Alex Wright on the roster and under contract, an ascending player who took a huge step forward in 2023.
We are too far out for definitive, but edge rusher, offensive tackle, defensive tackle, or wide receiver are likely to rise near the top of draft needs come next April. Carter would fit like a glove even if his need is not immediate.