2-time Super Bowl champ: New York Giants' Abdul Carter 'could be a problem' for NFL
Carter was a standout linebacker at Penn State before entering the draft. During his final collegiate season, he recorded 24 tackles for a loss and 12 sacks. But there's one question every team has about every rookie: Will he acclimate to the NFL and be the stud we need?
For Carter, the answer to that question throughout minicamp and organized team activities (OTAs) was a resounding yes.
Former NFL wide receiver and two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Hogan spoke with Pat Leonard on Talkin' Ball, and what he's hearing from around the league echoes what we've been hearing all offseason.
"It's tough to come into this league and have that dramatic impact right away," Hogan said. "You're not going against college-level athletes every down now. You're going against top-tier tackles and guards. . . And the NFC East is not an easy division to play in. But from what I've heard -- and I have some guys that are still playing in the league and on the Giants currently -- he could be a problem.
"You watch him on film on his college tape, he's a big body -- he's not enormous, doesn't have a huge frame -- but those guys that have that engine where they're going and they're not gonna stop, they can be problems on defense. Especially if they find unique ways to move him around and put him in different spots and create matchups for him to get creative with his pass rushing and make an impact. I'm excited about what he's going to be able to do at the NFL level."
Hogan played 10 seasons in the NFL, including a short stint on the Giants' practice squad in 2011, and attended Carter's alma mater, Penn State. He was also part of the New England Patriots from 2016-2018, which is where he earned his Super Bowl rings.
This isn't the first time we've heard about Carter presenting a problem for opposing offenses, and the Giants are thoroughly pleased with their rookie linebacker.
Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen will move him around as needed, and Carter will provide the spark that gets this defense going. Make no mistake, this is still Dexter Lawrence's defense, but Carter is going to ignite the players with his explosiveness and talent.
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