NFL Draft Betting Odds: Abdul Carter Stands Out After Stellar Penn State Career

Abdul Carter is among the leaders in NFL betting odds to be drafted first overall, and the Penn State defensive end proved why each week during the 2024 season. Look no further than his sack against SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

His explosiveness, as he jolted out of his stance and took two steps before the opposing offensive tackle even took one. His creative hand usage, as he faked multiple directions before even making contact with the player across from him and ultimately went with a classic rip move to the outside. The incessant motor, as he kept barreling toward SMU’s quarterback despite being held.

All traits of an elite pass rusher who’s going to be coveted in the NFL Draft.

When you get held (don't get the call) and STILL get the sack. Abdul Carter is unreal. pic.twitter.com/YqUOOBk0te

— T-FrankOn3 (@ThomasFrankCarr) December 21, 2024

Abdul Carter Draft Odds

Abdul Carter has the second-best football odds to be selected first overall in the NFL Draft at +170.

Miami quarterback Cameron Ward has the best odds to be picked first at -130. Colorado stars Travis Hunter (+450) and Shedeur Sanders (+600) have also been projected as candidates to be picked first overall.

The Tennessee Titans have the first pick, and they could go in any direction with that selection including quarterback, EDGE, or trading down. The Cleveland Browns have the second pick, followed by the New York Giants, the New England Patriots, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Abdul Carter Stats & Highlights

Carter was seventh in the FBS with 12 sacks in 2024. He was also second with 66 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, and 43 tackles that PFF counts as a failure for offenses.

At 6-foot-3, 252 pounds, he had 68 tackles, 23.5 for loss, with two forced fumbles, and four pass breakups in 2024.

“Obviously very disruptive, like he’s been all year long,” Penn State head coach James Franklin said leading up to the Fiesta Bowl where Penn State defeated Boise State to advance to the CFP semifinals. “He is just a problem. And he’s an issue in the run game, as well as the pass game.”

He was in the top two in PFF’s grades among EDGE players for overall defense and pass rushing. 

For his collegiate career, he had 23 sacks, 39.5 TFLs, 172 total tackles, 14 passes defended, five forced fumbles, and an interception.

“Very impressed with his game. Being able to transition from inside linebacker to EDGE, and the success he had, not just the statistics, which he has all of those,” Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson said. “I love the relentlessness that he plays with. And he’s a guy that you better know where (No.) 11 is at at all times, and just to give you the best shot to block him, to get hands on him, because even if you slide to him, even if you chip him, he’s so long, so explosive. One of the most elite get-offs I have seen in a long time as an EDGE player. He’s a nightmare to deal with.

“I love the way he plays the game. He plays it with his hair on fire. You better know where he is at at all times and have an answer for, or he’s a game-wrecker.”

Abdul Carter NFL Draft Projection

I project Abdul Carter will be drafted first overall, so I think his odds at +170 could be worth taking a look at.

Former Boise State offensive coordinator and former NFL head coach Dirk Koetter called Carter “really talented” and said he wouldn’t be surprised if Carter’s taken in the first five picks of the draft. Even for a defensive end, Koetter noted, Carter can play from a variety of positions because he can cover so much ground so rapidly.

His combination of size and speed as well as the quickness of his first few steps at the snap of the ball are absolutely going to be intriguing for an NFL team looking for a premier pass rusher.

Carter’s been an All-Big Ten player since he was a true freshman in 2022 when he was at linebacker. He’s not only an accomplished player, but considering he’s continued to improve, there’s even further potential as well.

And keep in mind this isn’t a strong quarterback class. I believe NFL franchises have mostly smartened up and realized they don’t have to take quarterbacks if their potential doesn’t warrant it. Going with the most talented players usually ends up working out in the long run. 

So even if the Titans might want an upgrade at quarterback, or even if they trade out of the pick, I believe Carter will end up being the first player off the board in April.