With the 2025 NFL Draft just weeks away, top prospect Abdul Carter is making waves with his on-field production and clear message about his aspirations. The former Penn State Nittany Lion recently took to X to post a tribute to Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, arguably the greatest defensive player in NFL history.
The message was loud and clear: Carter isn’t just trying to make it to the league—he’s aiming for greatness.
— Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) April 11, 2025
The ode to Taylor was more than just a tip of the cap to a legend. For Carter, it was a declaration of intent. The timing of the message couldn’t be more calculated. As one of the top edge rushers in a deep and talented 2025 NFL Draft class, Carter expects to be one of the first names called on April 24.
Carter’s dominant 2024 campaign solidified his stock among NFL scouts and executives. With 12 sacks, countless quarterback pressures, and a relentless motor, he proved he’s ready to wreak havoc on Sundays. His explosiveness at the line of scrimmage and natural feel for the game have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s elite defenders—Taylor being chief among them.
One team in particular seems like a perfect fit: the New York Giants.
Abdul Carter is the perfect investment for the New York Giants front office
New York holds the No. 3 overall pick and yearns for a cornerstone defensive player. The Giants are in the midst of another rebuild and need a difference-maker on defense to anchor their future. Carter’s skill set, energy, and now, a symbolic nod to Taylor—a Giants legend—make the connection hard to ignore.
While the draft remains unpredictable, all signs foreshadow Carter being a top-three selection. If the Giants decide to double down, the move would send shockwaves through the league. Not only would they land a potential franchise-changing player, but they’d also be reviving the spirit of their storied defensive past.
Carter’s social media tribute might seem like a simple surface-level homage, but if he ends up in blue come draft night, it could mark the beginning of a new era in New York. One where the echoes of Lawrence Taylor are no longer just history—they’re an inspiration for the future.