In Carter, the Giants acquired whom many draft experts considered the top overall prospect regardless of position.
“Carter can take over and completely wreck an offensive game plan,” NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah wrote in his final scouting report. “He demands attention on every snap and that is going to free up everyone else around him.”
Carter appeared in 42 career games and made 35 starts for the Nittany Lions, finishing sixth all-time in program history in sacks (23.0), eighth in tackles for loss (39.5), and tied for 12th in forced fumbles (five).
Before the 2024 college season began, Carter told Cowboys star defender Micah Parsons that he wanted to be the first pick in the draft. The fellow Penn State product took him “under his wing” and Carter followed up by posting 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss, which led the nation and were third-most in school history.
Like Parsons, Carter made the move from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher.
“Well, you saw what he can do when he’s rushing on the edge, and the issues that he creates with his get-off and bend is really unique,” Daboll said. “Again, that was his first year, but he’s an exceptional athlete. Just really looking forward to working with him. Very happy that we had the opportunity to get this guy.”