Abdul Carter was thought of the highest defensive participant in school soccer final season by most observers.

Now, he has his sights on being the highest defensive rookie within the NFL.

Carter was the No. 3 general decide within the NFL Draft by the New York Giants, and he’s anticipated to be a power from the get-go.

The previous Penn State standout is the clear favourite to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Yr honors attributable to his expertise, anticipated manufacturing and alternative.

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Travis Hunter and Atlanta Falcons outdoors linebacker/defensive finish Jalon Walker are additionally within the combine. Darkish horses to observe embody Baltimore Ravens outdoors linebacker Mike Inexperienced and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson.

The Giants can write Carter’s identify in felt pen atop their depth chart, and he would possibly have the ability to attain double digits in sacks this season. However even seven or eight sacks must be adequate to win the award.

Final season, outdoors linebacker Jared Verse of the Los Angeles Rams ran away with the voting—and he had simply 4.5 sacks.

Carter led the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss—together with 12 sacks—and in addition compelled two fumbles whereas incomes unanimous first-team All-America honors. His sack complete ranked seventh nationally, and he was named Massive Ten Defensive Participant of the Yr.

So, you possibly can see Giants defensive coordinator Shane Brown salivating on the considered having Carter on the tip of his line of defense.

New York now has three stellar move rushers in Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns and Carter. If nothing else, there can be room for infrequent breathers for every of the three.

Regardless, Carter guarantees to be extremely productive, irrespective of how the taking part in time is split.

Hunter, the No. 2 general decide, is a stellar protection cornerback, however the query surrounding him is his utilization as a receiver.

The Jaguars haven’t determined how a lot Hunter will play on either side of the ball—or whether or not he would possibly focus extra on one aspect than the opposite.

If he performs a major function on offense, he is likely to be only a minor contributor on protection. If he primarily performs cornerback, his interception depend or passes defensed can be the barometer.

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner gained the award in 2022 with simply two interceptions however led the NFL with 20 move breakups. In 2017, then-New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore had 5 interceptions whereas receiving the dignity.

Walker remains to be uncooked however will obtain ample alternatives to assist the Falcons’ protection. He was the No. 15 general decide.

The 21-year-old starred at Georgia and had 6.5 sacks final season whereas profitable the Butkus Award because the nation’s high linebacker.

He’s able to topping final season’s sack complete as a rookie and not too long ago vowed to aggressively pursue opposing quarterbacks.

Inexperienced is definitely a darkish horse after being chosen late within the second spherical (No. 59 general) by the Ravens.

He had 17 sacks final season at Marshall, however his inventory as a certain first-rounder fell attributable to two allegations of sexual assault. He has denied the allegations, saying one stems from highschool and the opposite from his time at Virginia, the place he performed earlier than transferring to Marshall for his ultimate school season.

The drop down the draft board helped him land with Baltimore, the place his pass-rushing abilities can be welcomed. Which means the chance to make a big effect may very well be on the horizon.

Johnson is gifted however performed in simply six video games final season at Michigan attributable to accidents. He had 9 school interceptions and returned three for touchdowns.

He was considered as a top-10 decide coming into the 2024 season, however his inventory tumbled and a few groups have been reportedly involved a couple of knee concern. The Cardinals have been thrilled to get him within the second spherical (No. 47 general), and it might show to be a steal.

Return a number of interceptions for touchdowns as a rookie, and “darkish horse” Johnson might shortly turn into a major issue on this race.