Where Does Abdul Carter Land in Latest ESPN Mock Draft?

Penn State‘s Abdul Carter has had a breakout season, and as a result, is surging up NFL Draft boards.

According to ESPN’s latest mock draft by Field Yates, Carter is a perfect fit for the Carolina Panthers at #4 overall. Carolina’s pass rush has been abysmal this year, good for 27th in the NFL in sacks with 25.

Carter would have an immediate impact and plenty of playing time. That’s a dream scenario for any rookie DE, who typically adjust quickly in to the NFL.

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Abdul Carter’s Rise

The 6-foot-3 and 259-lb defensive end has 10 sacks and 22 tackles for a loss on the season.

Yates explained that despite this being a deep edge rusher draft class, Carter “has more juice and a faster get-off than any other pass rusher in this class, proving the ability to consistently make plays behind the line of scrimmage.”

This is his first season as an edge rusher, with his last few years spent as a standup inside linebacker. The change has sparked his rise to stardom and up draft boards.

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Carter has at least one more chance to show his talent to suitors with Penn State taking on SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

SMU has an incredible running back in Brashad Smith, who rushed for a career-high 1,270 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, while averaging 5.9 yards per carry.

If Carter and the Nittany Lions can shut him down, it would certainly cement his place on draft boards.

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