Abdul Carter: Lawrence taylor| Draft profile| News| Bust| Contract

Introduction

Abdul Carter has emerged as one of the most compelling defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Selected third overall by the New York Giants, his journey from a versatile collegiate linebacker at Penn State to a polished edge rusher draws inevitable comparisons to Giants’ Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. But how fair are those comparisons? And what does Carter’s future look like in terms of performance, contract, and legacy? In this article, we break down his draft profile, current news, potential downside (“bust” risk), and his rookie contract, while considering the weight of the LT legacy.

1. Early Life and College Career

Background & High School
Abdul Jabar Carter was born on October 3, 2003, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended La Salle College High School, where he excelled as a linebacker. Known for his athleticism, he was a four-star recruit and stood out for his combination of speed, strength, and instinct.

Penn State & Position Switch
Carter joined Penn State University in 2022 and initially played as an off-ball linebacker. However, his career trajectory dramatically changed when he requested a move to defensive end / edge rusher. RealGM reports that this self-initiated switch — made toward the end of the 2023 season — paid off massively.

In the 2024 season, Carter led the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss and recorded 12 sacks, earning him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors, as well as unanimous All-American status.

His evaluation is more than raw athleticism: Carter is known for his football IQ, a trait underscored by his passion for chess. He has said that chess helps him think strategically — a mindset he brings to film study and in-game adjustments.

2. Draft Profile

Scouting Report & Strengths
According to ESPN’s 2025 NFL Draft scouting report, Carter is explosive, instinctive, and fast off the snap.  Scouts praised his ability to bend, close, and use a variety of pass-rush moves. Despite being relatively new to full-time pass-rushing, he showed tremendous upside: he dips under blocks, subtly loops around, and closes in with burst.

His stress reaction in the right foot, discovered during the combine, raised some red flags. However, Carter opted not to have surgery.  That decision, while risky, did not significantly damage his draft stock, as teams were confident about his recovery.

His combine / pre-draft mindset was also notable. Carter expressed confidence in being picked at No. 1, declaring at one point that “the best player should be selected No. 1.”

Analyst Rankings

• Matt Miller ranked Carter as the No. 1 overall prospect at one point.

• Scouts Inc. similarly viewed him as a top prospect, citing his explosiveness, balance, and pass-rush instincts.

• Mel Kiper Jr. placed him at No. 2 on his board.

Upside & Role Projection
Carter projects as a hybrid: someone who can play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, or defensive end in a 4-3, thanks to his range, flexibility, and burst. His versatility and high ceiling made him highly coveted.

3. Comparisons to Lawrence Taylor

Iconic Gesture
During his pre-draft visit to the Giants, Carter posted a picture on social media of Lawrence Taylor, the Giants’ legendary linebacker. This wasn’t just a tribute; it appeared to signal Carter’s ambition, and it sparked immediate discussion around a symbolic passing of the defensive torch.

What Giants Legends Say
Carl Banks, former Giants linebacker and teammate of Taylor, drew parallels:

“Abdul Carter … there’s something that’s different … I bet … if you asked him, ‘What move was that?’ He’d say, ‘I don’t know. I got to look at the film.’ That is stuff Lawrence [Taylor] used to do too.”

Banks’ point isn’t that Carter is the next LT, but that his play style — spontaneous, instinctive, game-changing — evokes memories of Taylor.

LT Response & Jersey Number Request
Carter asked to wear No. 56, LT’s retired number. The legendary Taylor declined:

“He has to be the player that he is.… He can’t be another Lawrence Taylor. … He has to make his mark.”

Taylor, though protective of his legacy, expressed support — saying he wants Carter to succeed, just on his own terms.

Jersey Decision
After being denied No. 56, Carter eventually settled on No. 51 for the Giants. Choosing a new number suggests he’s ready to build his own legacy under the spotlight — rather than lean entirely on symbolic connections.

4. News & Recent Developments

Contract Signing
On May 22, 2025, Carter signed a 4-year rookie contract with the Giants worth $45.3 million, with full guarantees and a $29.5 million signing bonus. The contract also includes the standard fifth-year option for first-round picks.

Health Concern
Leading up to the draft, reports emerged that Carter was considering foot surgery due to a stress reaction in his right foot. The dilemma: undergo surgery (and miss time) or delay and risk worsening the injury. He chose the latter and participated in his Pro Day at Penn State.

One-on-One with Giants
Despite his injury concerns, the Giants gave him personal attention. They held a private 1-on-1 meeting with him after his Pro Day, even though he was still rehabbing a shoulder injury.

Reaction to Number Denial
After Taylor declined to un-retire No. 56 for him, Carter responded graciously: “The worst thing he could say was NO!! … Nothing but respect … This just gonna make me work even harder!!” The interaction included a phone call organized between the two via their agents.

5. Risk Assessment: Could He Be a “Bust”?

While Carter’s potential is sky-high, no prospect is without risk. Here are some of the key concerns:

1. Injury Risk

   • The stress reaction in his foot is non-trivial. Although he skipped surgery, long-term durability will be something to monitor.

   • In college, he also had a shoulder injury that prevented him from fully participating in combine workouts.

2. Transition Risk

   • He only recently became a full-time edge rusher. There’s inherent risk in that relatively limited experience.

   • While his athletic traits are elite, his pass-rush move set is still developing. Scouts have noted upside, but also room for growth.

3. Mental Pressure / Legacy Pressure

   • The comparisons to Lawrence Taylor are inevitable, given Carter’s gesture and talent. But that could be a double-edged sword: fans may expect LT-level production, which is a high bar.

   • Taylor’s refusal to hand over his number could be seen as a symbolic challenge: Carter will need to forge his own identity, not just try to replicate a legend.

4. Team Fit & Usage

   • The Giants already have strong defensive pieces (like Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux), so how Carter is deployed—edge, interior, rotational—will matter a lot for his production.

   • If misused, his upside might not be maximized.

Despite these risks, the consensus seems to be that his ceiling is extremely high. Many analysts believe he has the traits of a foundational defensive star, not just a role player.

6. Contract Outlook & Expectations

Contract Breakdown

• Duration: 4 years + 5th-year team option

• Value: $45.3 million fully guaranteed

• Signing Bonus: ~$29.5 million

This is a very favorable deal for a rookie defender, especially considering the full guarantees. It shows the Giants’ commitment to Carter — they clearly view him as more than a developmental project; he’s someone they believe can contribute early.

Expectations

• Carter is expected to be a core piece of the Giants’ pass rush.

• Given his versatility, he could be used in multiple fronts. The Giants may rotate him in as both an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme and as a defensive end in other looks.

• With his rookie deal, the fifth-year option gives the Giants flexibility but also a clear long-term runway to evaluate him.

Long-Term Vision
If Carter delivers on his upside, he could become a franchise-defining defensive player. He has the athleticism, size, intelligence, and work ethic to be a cornerstone. The Giants likely envision him evolving into a player who helps resurrect a dominant pass-rush era reminiscent of the Lawrence Taylor years — but with his own identity.

7. Legacy & Impact: Carving His Own Path

Beyond the Number
Even though Carter wanted No. 56, his decision (or necessity) to pick No. 51 sends a message: he’s ready to build his own legacy, not just lean on LT’s. By doing so, he may lessen the burden of comparison and avoid being framed as just “the next Lawrence Taylor.”

Playing Style and Instincts
As Carl Banks pointed out, part of what makes Carter special is how naturally he wins plays. That instinctive, almost “I don’t know how I did that” style, reminiscent of Taylor, could translate into game-changing moments early in his career.

Leadership and Intelligence
Carter’s cerebral nature — chess, film study, self-awareness — suggests he’s not just an athletic freak but a student of the game. That could make him a future leader on defense, someone who contributes not just on plays but in defensive schemes, adjustments, and culture. Abdul Carter.

8. Challenges & Growth Areas

For Carter to truly live up to his promise, he’ll need to:

1. Maintain Health

   • Carefully manage his foot condition.

   • Strengthen his body to adapt to the NFL’s physical demands.

2. Expand His Move Set

   • Develop counter moves, hand-fighting techniques, and more refined pass-rush repertoire.

   • Work on consistency: not just explosive plays, but sustained pressure across games.

3. Mental Game

   • Handle expectations and comparisons maturely.

   • Use his intelligence (film study, chess-like thinking) to outsmart blockers and QBs.

4. Team Integration

   • Earn a role within the Giants’ defensive scheme.

   • Learn to coexist with other talented defenders — balancing snaps, responsibilities, and leveraging his versatility. Abdul Carter.

9. Conclusion: Will He Be a Bust or a Star?

Abdul Carter is one of the most exciting defensive prospects to enter the NFL in recent years. He combines rare athleticism, high football IQ, and an elite competitive drive. His rookie contract (fully guaranteed) shows the Giants believe in him. The respect he has for Lawrence Taylor — combined with his desire to forge his own path — frames his narrative as both reverent and ambitious.

Yes, there are risks: injury concerns, limited experience as an edge rusher, and the pressure of legacy. But the upside far outweighs the downside. If Carter stays healthy, refines his technique, and stays true to his cerebral approach, he has all the makings of a cornerstone defender — not a mere role player.

Carter may never be exactly another Lawrence Taylor — and that’s okay. Because what he could become is Abdul Carter, defined on his own terms: a dominant, smart, game-changing force for the Giants. Abdul Carter.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Why is Abdul Carter compared to Lawrence Taylor?
   Because of his explosive play, instincts, and some stylistic similarities. Giants legend Carl Banks noted Carter’s instinct to make plays without seemingly knowing exactly how — a trait once associated with Taylor. Also, Carter posted a photo of Taylor during his draft visit, which fueled comparisons.

2. Did Carter wear LT’s No. 56 jersey for the Giants?
   No. Carter requested No. 56, but Lawrence Taylor declined. Carter later chose No. 51 instead.

3. What are Carter’s major strengths?

   • Explosive first step and burst

   • High football IQ (he plays like a chess player)

   • Versatility: can play off-ball linebacker or edge rusher

   • Instinctive playmaking and closing speed

4. What are the injury concerns around Carter?
   He had a stress reaction in his right foot discovered around the combine. He opted not to go for surgery. He also dealt with a shoulder injury in college.

5. What does his rookie contract look like?
   Carter signed a 4-year fully guaranteed deal worth $45.3 million, including a $29.5 million signing bonus. The deal includes a fifth-year option (standard for first-rounders).

6. Could Carter be a “bust”?
   While there are risks (injury, inexperience at edge, high expectations), the general consensus among analysts is that he has very high upside. If he stays healthy and continues to develop, he could be a game-changing defender.

7. What’s the long-term vision for Carter with the Giants?
   The Giants likely see him as a foundational pass rusher who can play multiple roles (edge, linebacker) and apply pressure in various packages. With his rookie deal and fifth-year option, they have built-in flexibility to develop him.