Abdul Carter was considered the top defensive player in college football by most observers last season.
Now he’s turning to being the top defensive rookie in the NFL.
Carter is the third overall pick in the NFL Draft by the New York Giants, and he is expected to be a strength from the start.
The former Pennsylvania standout is a clear favourite for winning the NFL defensive bluekey of the year honors due to his talent, expected production and opportunity.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Travis Hunter and Atlanta Falcons linebacker/defensive end Jaron Walker are also featured in the mix. Dark horses to watch include linebacker Mike Green and the Baltimore Ravens outside Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson.
The Giants could write Carter’s name on felt-tip pens above the depth chart, and could reach double digits on the sack this season. But even seven or eight bags should be enough to win an award.
Last season, outside linebacker Jared poem of the Los Angeles Rams escaped On the vote, and he only had 4.5 bags.
Carter led the country with 23.5 tackles, including 12 bags, and also forced two fumbles while earning the unanimous first team national honors. His bag total was seventh nationally, and he was named Big Ten defensive player of the year.
So we can see Giants defensive coordinator Shane Brown spitting in the thought of having Carter at the end of his defensive line.
New York currently has three fantastic pass rushes for Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns and Carter. If there is nothing else, each of the three has room to breathe from time to time.
Anyway, Carter promises he’s more productive, no matter how divided the playtime is.
The second-place overall pick, Hunter, is a stellar coverage cornerback, but the question surrounding him is his use as a receiver.
Jaguar hasn’t been decided How many hunters play on both sides of the ball – or whether he focuses on one side.
If he plays a key role in the offense, he may be a minor contributor to defense. If he plays primarily cornerback, his intercept or defensive passing will be the barometer.
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner won the award in 2022 with just two interceptions, but led the NFL with a 20-pass breakup. In 2017, then-New Orleans Saints cornerback Martian Lattimore intercepted five times in honor.
Walker is still raw, but will have plenty of opportunity to help the Falcons defend. He was the overall pick in 15th place.
The 21-year-old starred in Georgia, who had 6.5 bags last season, but won the Buccus Award as a nation’s top linebacker.
He was able to topped with the bag total as a rookie last season, and recently vowed to actively pursue a conflicting quarterback.
Green is certainly a dark horse after being selected late in the second round (59 overall) by the Ravens.
He had 17 bags at Marshall last season, but two allegations of sexual assault caused his stock to fall as a sure first round. He denied the allegations, saying one was from his time in Virginia and played before transferring to Marshall for his final college season.
A dropdown on the draft board helped his pass rushing skills land along with Baltimore, who was welcomed. That means there could be opportunities on the horizon that have a big impact.
Johnson is talented, but played just six games last season at Michigan State due to injuries. He had nine college intercepts and returned three for a touchdown.
He was considered the top 10 pick into the 2024 season, but his stock fell and some teams reportedly were concerned about knee issues. The Cardinals are excited to take him to the second round (No. 47 overall), and it could prove to be a stolen.
Returning some intercepts for a touchdown as a rookie, “Dark Horse” Johnson could be a major factor in this race.
