3 Most Likely Panthers Draft Targets With the No. 8 Pick
2. Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Carolina Panthers defense needs some work over this offseason. They finished the season ranked 32nd in total defense (404.5), run defense (179.8), and scoring defense (31.4) but 23rd in pass defense (224.7).
Another reason this unit struggled was their lack of pass rush. The Panthers were tied for 30th in team sacks (32). A big reason for this problem was that Derrick Brown was out for the season with a meniscus injury after playing in just one game.
Getting Brown back should certainly help but if the Panthers can land EDGE Adbul Carter out of Penn State, that would be a home-run selection.
Carter is regarded as the top EDGE but multiple draft experts in the NFL community. He is an explosive force who has a lightning-quick first step. Carter can win with an elite dip move and violent hands that make it tough for blockers to get their paws on him.
In three seasons with the Nittany Lions, he had 172 total tackles and 23 sacks. This season is when everything seemed to click for him. In 2024, Carter had 43 solo tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks.
The Pennsylvania native suited up against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl with a shoulder injury but showed out regardless. He finished with five sacks, one sack, and one pass deflection.
Although the stats are good, the film indicates how impactful Carter was in the contest.
Abdul Carter last night is a prime example why a sack total is far from the most important thing from a pass rusher
— Big Game Bengal (@BengalYouTube) January 10, 2025
Carter was credited with 1 sack against ND but watch how many negative plays for the offenses he creates
Best player on the field pic.twitter.com/fhZMMmLt6e
If Carter is on the board at No. 8, Carolina would be wise to quickly turn the card in.