Abdul Carter has surprisingly low NFL draft projection in new mock draft

With the NFL draft a little more than a month away, the general consensus seems to be that Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter stands an excellent chance of being one of the first picks off the board. Some mock drafts have Carter going in one of the top two picks but you have to look far and wide to find a mock draft that has him outside of the top five picks. Until now.

A freshly updated mock draft from 33rd Team goes against the grain when it comes to projecting Carter's draft position. While he is still among the top players off the board, the 33rd Team mock draft has Carter going to the New York Jets with the seventh overall pick. It is one of the lowest draft projections seen for the Big Ten defensive player of the year and the top-rated defensive player according to many draft analysts.

"New York’s defensive front was a major disappointment last season, but they revitalize that unit with the best player in the class," the updated mock draft from 33rd Team says. "Abdul Carter is an explosive and bendy speed rusher with surprising technical polish after just one season playing full-time on the edge."

That would make Carter the third defensive player off the big board if it were to pan out as so. Other defensive players projected ahead of Carter include 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter as a combo wide receiver and cornerback (no. 2 overall to Cleveland Browns) and Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (no. 5 overall to Jacksonville Jaguars).

While the wait for Carter's draft selection may be projected to be a bit longer than most other mock drafts lately, the 33rd Team mock draft does not see a long delay before the next Nittany Lion to go off the big board. Tight end Tyler Warren is projected at no. 9 overall to the New Orleans Saints.

"New Orleans’ roster is bereft of young building blocks, having struck out on many of their recent draft picks," 33rd Team says. "Taking Tyler Warren, one of the safest players in the class, is a great way to end their cold streak."

Carter and Warren will be the star attractions at Penn State's pro day on March 28.

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Abdul Carter's NFL draft projection from 33rd Team seems pretty low

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