Abdul Carter makes his case as No. 1 draft pick saying elite defenders can shape games like QBs
Abdul Carter believes he can have the same level of impact on the NFL team that drafts him as a quarterback would.
Follow Us
Abdul Carter (Image via Imago)
There’s just something about defensive ends that come out of Penn State. They seldom lack in confidence and are always able to back their talk up with their on-field talent. Three years after Micah Parsons emerged from Penn State, another generational talent at edge rusher looks to foray into the pros later in April. Abdul Carter of Penn State has scouts excited due to his combination of speed, raw physicality, and love of the game.
The edge rusher checks all the boxes of an edge rusher capable of having an immediate impact on his team. He is confident of his talent, which is why Carter continues to make his pitch to be the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. As offensive players like Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, and Travis Hunter continue to be favorites to go early in the Draft, Carter is a dark-horse candidate to be the first overall pick.
The Tennessee Titans have the first overall pick this year, and the team is in need of a competent quarterback, but in this year’s draft class, the quality of defensive talent is better than offensive talent. Tennessee is spoiled for choice, as they cannot overlook Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter.
With Hunter, they can get the best of both worlds, as he will serve as a wide receiver and a corner. However, Carter is confident that he can be as impactful as a quarterback.
I think just my overall impact on the game. My versatility. I can play multiple positions, and I feel like most importantly I step up when I’m needed the most when crunch time comes around. When you need somebody to make that big play, I feel like I’m guy who makes that big play. At the end of the day, I make people around me better, just take them on double-teams bringing extra attention to me, freeing up somebody else so they can make the play and just my overall impact on the game.
Abdul Carter said
The defensive end believes in his potential to change the game in a high-stakes situation and otherwise be a teammate and leader who inspires those around him to get better.
Abdul Carter knows how to market himself, and considering that his agent is Drew Rosenhaus, it should not be surprising. The edge rusher has abstained from working out in the Combine due to a shoulder injury and a stress fracture in his foot, but he has done well at his interviews.
Defensive players have proved that they can greatly impact football games
The most likely scenario at the moment is Abdul Carter being drafted by the Cleveland Browns. While this would mean that Carter goes second overall, it is the best-case scenario for him. If Carter goes to Tennessee, then he can have an impact, but if he goes to the Cleveland Browns, the edge rusher will get the opportunity to play alongside Myles Garrett.
Garrett embodies all the traits that Carter values and has marketed himself to have. Besides, he is the highest-paid defensive player in league history for a reason. The Browns’ defense will improve by leaps and bounds with the addition of Abdul Carter, as he and Garrett will be the nightmare of every quarterback and offensive line across the NFL.
The draft order gets unpredictable in the days leading up to the big event. With 24 days left, a lot can change during the final stretch.
A positive change in the NFL has been the increase in the value of defensive players. The last decade has proved to be beneficial for defensive linemen as the likes of Von Miller, Myles Garrett, DeMarcus Lawrence, Aaron Donald, Khalil Mack, and the Bosa brothers have continued to showcase the significant impact linebackers and edge rushers can have on the game. Carter has immense potential, and his confidence is similar to that of Micah Parsons.
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)