NFL Exec Says Abdul Carter 'Transcends' Scheme, Draws Comparison to Cowboys' Parsons

New York Giants edge-rusher Abdul Carter has drawn comparisons to another former Penn State standout as he prepares to enter his rookie season.

“Carter is more like (Micah) Parsons than people realize,” an NFL executive told Mike Sando of The Athletic. “I think he can play off the ball. He transcends any specific scheme.”

The Giants will be hoping that Carter can make a similar impact that Parsons has made on the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line after selecting him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Some similarities between the players are easy to see, with both establishing themselves as stars in college on the Nittany Lions and wearing the same jersey number while doing so.

Carter discussed his relationship with Parsons when speaking to reporters after he was drafted, but explained that he's also not trying to live in his shadow.

"I learned a lot from Micah, just me being at Penn State, wearing No. 11, we keep that brotherhood tight," Carter said. "But at the end of the day, I'm my own player, and I want to make my own name. That's what I've done."

The 21-year-old was dominant at Penn State in 2024, racking up 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss to go along with two forced fumbles in 16 games.

Carter is expected to immediately contribute on a Giants defensive front that was one of the few bright spots for the team last season, ranking No. 9 in the NFL with 45 sacks and boasting impact players such as Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns.

As Carter gears up for the 2025 season, expectations are high for him.