The New York Giants are ramping up their preparations for the 2025 NFL Draft, and all eyes are on Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter as he arrives for a highly anticipated Top 30 visit today and tomorrow. The visit, confirmed by multiple sources, underscores the Giants’ keen interest in the standout defensive prospect, widely regarded as one of the top talents in this year’s draft class.
Carter, a unanimous All-American and the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, is projected to be a top-three pick in the upcoming draft, scheduled for later this month. With the Giants holding the No. 3 overall selection, this visit marks a critical step in their evaluation process as they weigh their options for bolstering a roster in need of impact players.
The 21-year-old Philadelphia native had a breakout season with the Nittany Lions, recording 12 sacks and a nation-leading 24 tackles for loss across 16 games in 2024. His transition from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher showcased his versatility and explosive athleticism, drawing comparisons to NFL stars like Von Miller and former Penn State standout Micah Parsons. Despite a shoulder injury sustained during the College Football Playoff and a stress reaction in his right foot that sidelined him from pre-draft workouts, Carter’s on-field tape has kept him firmly in the conversation as a potential game-changer at the next level.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll has already shown personal investment in Carter, having met him for breakfast in State College, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, April 6. That meeting, followed by today’s formal visit to the team’s facility in New Jersey, signals that the Giants are doing their due diligence on a player who could elevate their already formidable pass-rush unit, featuring Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
While the Giants have addressed their quarterback situation by signing veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency, the focus has shifted toward adding elite talent at other positions. Carter’s blend of speed, power, and relentless energy makes him an intriguing fit for a defense that ranked tied for eighth in the NFL with 45 sacks last season. Analysts suggest that, if selected, Carter could either complement the existing edge duo or potentially pave the way for a trade involving Thibodeaux to acquire additional draft capital.
However, Carter’s visit comes with some questions. His decision to skip the NFL Scouting Combine workouts and Penn State’s Pro Day due to ongoing rehab for his shoulder injury has left teams relying heavily on game film and medical evaluations. The Giants’ medical staff is expected to closely examine Carter during this visit to assess his readiness for the rigors of an NFL season.
Carter’s off-field profile also adds a layer of complexity. In April 2024, he faced a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from an altercation with a tow truck driver, an incident that resulted in a rehabilitation program rather than further legal consequences. The Giants, known for their thorough vetting process, will likely explore this matter to ensure Carter aligns with the organization’s standards.