Penn State's Abdul Carter Announces NFL Draft Decision After Loss To Notre Dame
Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter has been considered one of the best prospects in the country for the entire 2024 season. On Friday morning, he made scouts happy by announcing his plans for the NFL Draft.
Less than 12 hours after Penn State lost to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, Carter declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed his decision. He told ESPN's Adam Schefter, "I expect Abdul will be one of the top picks of this draft and a future All-Pro." Most analysts would agree with Rosenhaus' prediction for Carter.
Carter's final game with the Nittany Lions didn't go the way he hoped it would, but he did record his 12th sack of the season. He finished his junior year with 68 total tackles, 12 sacks, four pass break-ups and two forced fumbles.
Even though Carter was battling a shoulder injury in the College Football Playoffs, he didn't miss the Fiesta Bowl or Orange Bowl. Some people may have thought it'd be wise for him to preserve his health for the NFL, but the superstar pass rusher gave his teammates everything he had until the very end.
"His approach has been awesome," Penn State coach James Franklin said. "He’s lived in the training room."
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Defensive End Abdul Carter #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts after a big play during the Penn State Nittany Lions versus Boise State Broncos College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on December 31,2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
It'll be interesting to see where Carter ends up in the NFL Draft. If there isn't an early run on quarterbacks, there's a good chance the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year goes in the top-five.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. currently has Carter ranked as the No. 2 prospect on his "Big Board."
Carter will find out his fate on April 24 when the NFL Draft kicks off in Green Bay.
