After trading two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns this past spring, the Carolina Panthers remain without a true pass rush specialist who can put stress on opposing blockers and attack the quarterback relentlessly. That, in part, has helped lead to one of the very worst defenses in franchise history.
With an impact edge defender likely at the top of their wishlist for this upcoming offseason, the Panthers should consider Penn State University standout Abdul Carter. He’s not only a top pass rusher of the 2025 draft class, but also a top prospect, period.
A former 4-star recruit, Carter began his career as an inside linebacker. As his first two seasons came along, it became clear he that was a better edge rusher than an off-ball ‘backer.
In his first season as a defensive end for the Nittany Lions, Carter became a unanimous All-American and the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year. He’s also a First-Team All-Big Ten defender in his two seasons as a full-time starter.
Ahead of the Nittany Lions’ playoff matchup against the Southern Methodist University Mustangs this afternoon, Carter has 10.0 sacks and 20 tackles for a loss—and those numbers will likely climb the further his team gets in the College Football Playoff.
But before he adds on, let’s take a look at what Carter brings to the table—including his strengths, weaknesses and his potential fit with the Panthers.
Strengths
When you turn on the All-22, Carter’s skill set as a pass rusher translates seamlessly to the next level. He works with a relentless motor and plays a physical, aggressive style that is only part of what makes him a force off the edge.
At an unofficial 6-foot-3 and 259 pounds, Carter has an unreal, ultra-explosive first step that allows him to stress blockers in their sets quickly. He also possesses outstanding acceleration up the arc that allows him to win with speed.
But he doesn’t win with just that specifically. Carter offers a nice arsenal of pass-rush moves and a couple of effective combinations such as rip-dip, hand swipes, swim, inside spin and an impressive euro step to discombobulate opposing blockers.
One prospect I’m keeping an eye for Saturday’s CFP matchup between SMU and Penn State is an obvious one: EDGE Abdul Carter.
These are some of my favorite reps against Washington earlier in the season. Insane acceleration, bend, and usage of hands to get to the QB. pic.twitter.com/Ej33OWZYtT
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) December 21, 2024
Carter’s bend also stands out when coming off the edge. He does a great job when it comes to positioning and discipline in his rush lanes, thus allowing him to dip under offensive tackles with incredible ankle and hip flexibility.
Due to his experience as an off-ball linebacker, Carter offers versatility as a stack defender who can work in hook/curl drops on occasion due to his incredible athleticism and lateral mobility. This also allows Carter to mug opposing A- and B-gaps to create mismatches as a pass rusher.
Carter will fit in any defense you ask him to play in as he can line up with his hand in the dirt or in a two-point stance in 3-4 schemes.
Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter offers incredible ultra high-powered explosiveness, bend, and quickness that will put an insane amount of stress on opposing blocker.
74 was in a blender all game. One of my favorite 1st round possibilities for the #Panthers. pic.twitter.com/rWDdOldaqr
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) December 14, 2024
Late in the season, Carter began to show flashes of his skill set against the run. He began to garner better leverage and pad level at the point of the attack and utilize an anchor to stack and shed blocks in gaps.
His explosiveness, length, and raw power offer him the tools to eventually grow into a quality run defender.
Weaknesses
While his 20 tackles for a loss are impressive, it doesn’t tell the full story of Carter as a run defender and how much more work he needs in this area.
He’s a pass rusher that needs focused development against the run. Carter is inconsistent with deconstructing blocks and it comes as a newer player in the trenches.
At times, Carter will get washed out in the run game or completely overwhelmed when triggering downhill into gaps due to inefficient angles to the ball and when attempting to penetrate gaps.
His anchor is also a work in progress and a sign that he must add more play strength at the point of attack. There have been times when he’ll attack blockers with subpar pad level and leverage and expose his chest—allowing opposing blockers to get grips on him and work him away from the ball carrier.
The Verdict
Carter projects as a versatile edge defender who should be utilized as a designated pass rusher early on. He’ll also have develop his run-defending and block deconstruction skills in the process.
His rushing skill set is incredibly effective and he’ll win a lot with his acceleration through and around defenders up the arc. He has already established a nice arsenal of moves with room to add more combos.
Carter’s role at the next level, and how the Panthers could deploy him, should likely be similar to how the Dallas Cowboys have used defensive end Micah Parsons—as an off-ball stack defender to ease the pressure off run utilization. This could allow Carolina to be creative with how they use him and 2024 third-round linebacker Trevin Wallace.
While he’ll need to grow against the run, Carter has the potential to bring an immediate impact as a pass rusher and could develop into one of the NFL’s top sack artists in short order.
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