2025 NFL predictions: Abdul Carter will win Defensive Rookie of the Year

The NFL has no idea what’s coming for it when Abdul Carter steps onto the field.

Arguably the most talented rookie pass rusher since Michael Strahan, Carter will don the Big Blue with more hype than almost any other debutante in 2025.

The ex-Penn State Nittany Lion had an obscene 35.1 percent pass rush win rate on true passing sets last season, better numbers than other generational talents in their final seasons like Myles Garrett (31.7 percent), Maxx Crosby (28.8 percent), and Micah Parsons (23.8 percent).

Carter certainly profiles as that elite-level pass rusher, but his situation makes him even more dangerous when you compare him to those other guys.

The Giants, for all of their faults, and they have many, should have a top-five pass rush in the NFL this season.

Brian Burns was the No. 12-rated pass rusher in the NFL last season by Pro Football Focus, while Kayvon Thibodeaux also profiled well with his 72 grade.

Those two quarterback hounds alongside nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, who should be healthy this season after battling injuries last year, will be a menacing attack.

In 12 games played last season, Lawrence was the league’s No. 12-rated player across every defensive unit in the NFL.

Adding Carter to that mix should be a boon for the Giants’ defense and could put him in a spot to dominate the Defensive Rookie of the Year market.

When looking at his competition, it’s quite barren if you assume that Travis Hunter will be playing more wide receiver than defensive back.

No other defensive player was drafted in the Top 10 of April’s NFL Draft, and just 14 players were selected in the first round (not including Hunter).

I have no issue investing significant bits of bonus bet equity into Carter’s Defensive Rookie of the Year odds.

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The best prices I’m seeing on the market are +250, and I think that’s a fine buy-in price given his pedigree coming into the league.

This is bettable down to +200 before the season starts, and could be a worthy wager still, assuming he manages to get through training camp without injury.

PICK: Abdul Carter Defensive Rookie of the Year (+250, Caesars)

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Erich Richter is a brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt but he has a black belt in MMA betting. During the football season he’s showcased massive profits at The Post in the player prop market the last two seasons. While constantly betting long shots, his return on investment is 30.15 percent since 2022.