New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter has earned a spot on NFL.com's All-Under-25 Team heading into the 2026 season.
The third overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft continues to draw recognition for his strong foundation as a pass rusher despite modest sack totals in his debut year. Nick Shook of NFL.com highlighted Carter's production and upside among the league's top young defenders.
Carter arrived with great expectations as a top-three pick and attracted attention for his winding journey toward selecting a jersey number, then seemed to fly under the national radar throughout most of his rookie season. Those paying closer attention, however, understood that Carter had a strong debut campaign. Despite recording just four sacks in 2025, Carter finished
seventh in quarterback pressures with 72 (per NGS), just five fewer than Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett recorded. He earned enough Defensive Rookie of the Year votes to finish fifth, and if he can convert more of his pressures into sacks, he'll quickly climb the popularity charts. He turns 23 in October, too, so he has plenty of time to do so.
Carter has also been named to NFL.com's All-Breakout Team and identified as a non-quarterback MVP candidate.
With new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson and added talent around him, the second-year edge rusher is positioned for a significant leap in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants LB Abdul Carter named to NFL.com's All-Under-25 Team
