Abdul Carter: New York Giants Edge Rusher's Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds

Former Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter was selected third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, and he is the early favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Carter is +230 to win the award, putting him ahead of Atlanta Falcons pick Jalon Walker (+600), San Francisco 49ers pick Mykel Williams (+850), and Jacksonville Jaguars pick Travis Hunter (+900) in the odds.

In the 2024 season, Carter posted 12.0 sacks and led the country in tackles for loss with 24. He also posted 68 total tackles, four passes defended, and two forced fumbles.

Those numbers were good enough to earn Carter unanimous All-American honors and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Carter's best traits are his first step, closing speed, anticipation, and intelligence. He showed enough strength to consistently beat Big Ten offensive tackles, and the former off-ball linebacker often dropped back in coverage and made plays.

Pass rush was not one of the Giants' weaknesses in 2024 as the team finished tied for eighth in the NFL with 45 sacks. But, Carter was the best player available at No. 3, and recent successful teams around the league have shown how important it is to dominate the trenches.

Plus, selecting Carter strengthens an already solid unit, as the rookie joins Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the defensive front.

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Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.