Abdul Carter was widely regarded as college football’s top defensive player last season—and now, he’s setting his sights on dominating the NFL as a rookie.
Taken third overall by the New York Giants, the former Penn State star is poised to make an immediate impact. He enters the league as the early frontrunner for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, thanks to his elite skillset, expected production, and the opportunity to shine in New York’s defense.
While Jacksonville’s Travis Hunter and Atlanta’s Jalon Walker are also strong candidates, a few under-the-radar names like Baltimore’s Mike Green and Arizona’s Will Johnson could make waves as well.
Carter has already secured a starting spot in the Giants’ lineup and could realistically hit double-digit sacks in Year 1. But even if he ends up with seven or eight, that might be enough to earn top rookie honors—especially considering last year’s winner, Jared Verse of the Rams, had just 4.5 sacks.
In college, Carter led the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and two forced fumbles, earning unanimous All-America recognition and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award. It’s no wonder Giants defensive coordinator Shane Brown is thrilled to add him to a pass rush that already includes Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns.
Whether starting or rotating, Carter is expected to be a key contributor right away.
Meanwhile, No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter is a lockdown corner with huge upside—but the Jaguars are still debating whether to let him play both ways. If he splits time as a receiver, his defensive stats might not stand out. But if he focuses on cornerback, picks and pass deflections will tell his story. Past winners like Sauce Gardner and Marshon Lattimore showed you don’t need gaudy interception numbers to win—as long as you dominate in coverage.
As for Jalon Walker, Atlanta took him 15th overall and expects him to develop quickly. The former Georgia standout, who won the Butkus Award last year with 6.5 sacks, has already promised to attack opposing quarterbacks relentlessly.
Mike Green is the ultimate wild card. Drafted 59th by the Ravens, he had a staggering 17 sacks at Marshall. Once projected as a first-rounder, off-field allegations from his time in high school and Virginia caused his stock to plummet. Baltimore may have landed a hidden gem if he delivers on the field.
Then there’s Will Johnson, a second-round pick (No. 47) by Arizona. Limited to just six games last year due to injuries, Johnson still managed to rack up nine career interceptions, including three pick-sixes. Though knee concerns hurt his draft stock, he has the potential to be one of the biggest surprises of the rookie class—especially if he brings that playmaking ability to the pros.
With Carter leading the pack and several intriguing challengers behind him, the Defensive Rookie of the Year race is already shaping up to be one of the season’s most exciting storylines.
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