Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Is Abdul Carter Related To Jalen Carter? A Fact Check on the Relation Between Two Carters

Is there a familial tie between Abdul and Jalen Carter, two defensive linemen?

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Abdul Carter, a former defensive end for Penn State, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft in January. A four-star recruit out of La Salle College High School in Pennsylvania, he committed to the Nittany Lions.

As a freshman, Carter quickly made an impact, appearing in 13 games and tallying 56 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. He earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors as a freshman in 2022 and followed it up with First-Team selections in 2023 and 2024, elevating his production.

Abdul Carter
Ceiling – Micah Parsons
Floor – Nolan Smith pic.twitter.com/79n0wu2woQ
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) April 21, 2025

Over three seasons and 42 games, Carter totaled 172 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, and 23.0 sacks. His dominant 2024 season earned him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-American honors, cementing his status as one of the draft’s top edge prospects.

Are Abdul Carter and Jalen Carter related?

Although they both share the same last name, Abdul Carter and Jalen Carter are not related. Jalen, a standout defensive tackle, was selected ninth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 NFL Draft. Coincidentally, Abdul hails from Philadelphia and has made his Eagles fandom clear on social media, as reported by Sporting News. But the two Carters have no family connection.

Also Read: Will Johnson NFL Draft Projection – Where Will the Michigan Cornerback Land?

Abdul Carter NFL Draft Projection 2025

Abdul Carter enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a projected first-round pick and one of the most terrific pass-rushers. After two standout years as a linebacker for the Nittany Lions, he transitioned smoothly to edge rusher in 2024. Graded a solid 7.00 by the NFL, he has Pro Bowl-level potential.

As a pass rusher, Carter overwhelms blockers with a blend of speed, agility, and technique. Further, his background as a linebacker allows him to use his football IQ to its full potential. The hybrid has all the attributes to be an all-out havoc wreaker with his sharp footwork and downhill bursts.

Abdul Carter is legitimately untouchable sometimes…

His natural slipperiness & bend is outrageous for someone that’s 260 lbs.

I am very very high on him. pic.twitter.com/yX9pphgiKF
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) January 7, 2025

However, Carter still needs to develop more consistency at the point of attack, especially against offensive linemen. His rushing instincts, size, and frame suggest a natural fit on the edge rather than an off-ball backer.

Carter’s top NFL landing spot, according to USA Today, would be the Cleveland Browns. With a 4-3 defensive alignment featuring three linebackers and four down linemen, Cleveland offers a natural fit for Carter. In this setup, he could thrive as an edge rusher, focusing on getting after the quarterback.