As the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles have already made waves by taking a surprising turn with their second overall pick. GM Howie Roseman, known for his calculated yet aggressive approach to team building, has expressed full confidence in his decision to select Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, a move that has raised more than a few eyebrows.
While the Eagles have been one of the top teams in the NFL in recent years, their defense has been a key part of that success. But with some veteran players potentially on the tail end of their careers and a desire to continue improving the defense, the Eagles are looking to add an elite playmaker to their already formidable front. Enter Abdul Carter, a standout at Penn State, whose combination of size, speed, and disruptive presence has made him one of the most intriguing prospects of this draft class.
Howie Roseman’s Confidence in Carter
When asked about the Eagles’ approach to this year’s draft, Howie Roseman didn’t shy away from discussing his belief in Carter’s ability to step in and make an immediate impact. “We’ve done our homework, and Abdul is a player we’re very excited about,” Roseman said in a recent interview. “He’s got the kind of talent that can change games. His ability to rush the passer, his instincts against the run, and his versatility are exactly what we need to continue building this defense into a championship unit.”
For Roseman, the decision to take Carter at No. 2 wasn’t just about adding another talented player to the mix—it’s about creating a defense that can be dominant for years to come. With several teams eyeing defensive prospects early in the draft, Roseman has made it clear that he believes Carter is ready to become a key contributor from Day 1.
Why Abdul Carter?
Abdul Carter’s selection by the Eagles at No. 2 has certainly caught the attention of analysts. While Carter has been highly regarded as one of the top defensive prospects, few had expected him to go this early, especially given the number of elite offensive talents in this draft. But Carter’s unique skill set is hard to ignore.
At Penn State, Carter established himself as a dominant force along the defensive line, posting eye-popping numbers in his time as a Nittany Lion. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing in at around 250 pounds, Carter is a physical specimen who possesses a rare combination of size, strength, and explosiveness. He’s known for his relentless motor and ability to collapse the pocket, consistently disrupting the quarterback and causing chaos in the backfield.
What sets Carter apart is his versatility. He can line up both as a traditional edge rusher or inside on passing downs, which would allow Eagles defensive coordinator Sean Desai to move him around and create mismatches. In today’s NFL, having a player who can affect the game from multiple positions is invaluable, and Carter’s flexibility in how he’s deployed makes him an even more attractive prospect.
The Eagles’ Need for Defensive Help
Though the Eagles are already an elite team, their defense has some holes they need to address. The defensive line, though talented, has been inconsistent at times. Veteran players like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham are on the back end of their careers, and the Eagles need to find younger players who can step in and help shoulder the load.
Carter provides the Eagles with an immediate impact player who can complement their current defensive front. His ability to rush the passer and stop the run would allow Philadelphia to remain one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL, and his flexibility would be key in keeping offenses guessing.
Moreover, with the NFC East being a competitive division, having an elite pass rusher can be the difference-maker in games against teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders, who both have potent offenses. Carter’s ability to disrupt quarterbacks could tilt the balance in Philadelphia’s favor during key matchups.
The Potential Impact on the Eagles’ Future
By selecting Abdul Carter, the Eagles are signaling their commitment to remaining a top-tier defensive unit for the foreseeable future. With defensive stars like Darius Slay and James Bradberry, the Eagles are already one of the most well-rounded teams in the league. Adding a player like Carter could put their defense over the top and make them even more formidable against both the pass and the run.
Carter has the potential to step into a starting role right away, and with the Eagles’ coaching staff known for getting the best out of their players, Carter could see his game elevate even further under the guidance of their defensive line coaches. His high motor and disruptive style of play will make him a fan favorite in Philadelphia, as the Eagles look to build a championship-caliber defense for the long haul.
What This Means for the Eagles’ Draft Strategy
While the selection of Carter may be a bit of a surprise, it fits into the Eagles’ overall draft strategy of selecting players who can make an immediate impact while also having the potential for long-term success. While the Eagles could have gone in a different direction, such as selecting an offensive weapon to bolster their already potent offense, Roseman’s decision to go with Carter shows that he’s committed to continuing to build a well-rounded team.
With Carter in the fold, the Eagles will still have plenty of draft capital to address other needs. The offense could use some help at the wide receiver and running back positions, and the secondary could always use additional depth. But the selection of Carter at No. 2 shows that the Eagles are focused on building a defense that can dominate for years to come.
Conclusion: A Bold Decision, But a Strong One
The Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to select Abdul Carter with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is a bold one, but it’s a decision that reflects their commitment to maintaining a championship-caliber defense. With Howie Roseman’s confidence in Carter’s potential and a clear need for a disruptive force along the defensive line, this pick could be the key to solidifying the Eagles’ defense as one of the NFL’s elite units for years to come.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Philadelphia to see if their gamble on Carter pays off. If it does, the Eagles could once again find themselves at the top of the NFC, with a dominant defense leading the way to another potential Super Bowl appearance.
