Abdul Carter isn’t just talking like a top draft pick—he’s moving like one. The Penn State star has made it clear that his next stop in football will be at the very top. With visits lined up only for the first four picks of the 2025 NFL Draft, the coveted edge has sent a loud and clear message—if you don’t have a top-four selection, don’t bother calling. 

Abdul Carter’s draft stock has never been in question, but Friday’s Penn State Pro Day solidified just how elite his standing is. While he didn’t work out because of his shoulder injury, his presence alone spoke volumes. He was present with his family and agent, Drew Rosenhaus. In a new State Media episode on March 29, he sent a strong pitching message to the four teams on his radar. “Just my impact on the field obviously but also what I can do off the field,” Carter stated. “Just leading guys, being that guy people could look to especially when I’m on the field working.” He wants to be a prime influence on other players while being his best self. 

This looks like a clear message being sent to four specific NFL teams. The itinerary itself tells the story of Abdul Carter’s pre-draft process. He’s already met with the Cleveland Browns (holding the No. 2 pick) and the Tennessee Titans (at No. 1). Now, according to NFL reporter Albert Breer, the Penn State star has top-30 visits lined up with the New York Giants (picking third) and the New England Patriots (at No. 4). Breer reports that Carter has these visits “set up in the coming weeks,” having already completed his allotted visits with the Titans and Browns.

With a strong belief he’ll be a Top 4 selection, Carter himself exudes confidence, stating, “Just making sure I’m working the hardest but also producing the most but just being that example for guys so when they look at me, they’re like okay Abdul’s doing this, I can follow behind him.” And it seems Abdul Carter knows he has the leverage in this situation.

Per Breer’s report, Abdul Carter is scheduled to have a private meeting with the Giants in State College after his Pro Day. On Thursday night, he had dinner with the Browns’ brass, which included owner Jimmy Haslam, GM Andrew Berry, and executive VP J.W. Johnson. Given that the Giants just signed veteran Russell Wilson to a short one-year deal and also have Jameis Winston signed for two years along with Daniel Jones, focusing on defensive talent like Carter or a versatile player like Travis Hunter makes a lot of sense for their draft strategy.

It’s not hard to see why these teams are pushing hard for his interest. The reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was a terror for his opponents in 2024. His 24 tackles for loss led all of college football, and his 12 sacks ranked seventh. He pressured QBs 66 times—third-most in the nation. That kind of dominance turned him into a unanimous All-American. But there’s a reason why these numbers are even more impressive. 

Abdul Carter—A dynamic and versatile playmaker 

The most impressive part of his resume is that he achieved them while learning a new position. A former linebacker, Abdul Carter transitioned to defensive end this past season, playing 300 snaps there while logging time as an outside LB (317 snaps) and even lining up inside on occasion (87 snaps). That versatility is rare, and that kind of production while switching roles is even rarer. 

Being picked at the top 1 isn’t out of the question. And even Abdul Carter knows he has the upper hand. “There’s a lot of reasons I think that,” he said. “My overall impact on the game, my versatility with being able to play multiple positions. Most importantly, I step up when I’m needed the most. When crunch time comes around and you need somebody to make that big play, I make that big play.” The confidence is there; the production backs it. 

If he does go No. 1, Abdul Carter will be the first Penn State player since Courtney Brown in 2000 to earn that honor. If he lands in the top 3, he’ll be the highest-drafted Nittany Lions star since Saquon Barkley in 2018. And with the Titans, Browns, Giants, and Patriots all vying for a defensive game-changer, his wait won’t last long.