Matt Citak

Shawne Merriman predicts big rookie year for Abdul Carter

Shawne Merriman knows a thing or two about getting a career off to a strong start.

The former NFL linebacker was drafted 12th overall in 2005 and proceeded to pick up 10 sacks across 15 games in his first season.

This led to him being named the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, an award Merriman believes is a strong possibility for Abdul Carter in 2025.

"I believe Abdul Carter is going to be the Defensive Rookie of the Year..." Merriman said on 'Good Morning Football' Wednesday. "Just what he can do on the field right now, you can put him on there and he can learn everything else. A guy that is that explosive, you can put him on the field and he's going to make plays regardless. I just like this kid's mentality."

This prediction won't come off as too farfetched as Carter was one of the best players in the nation last year, which led to him being taken with the third overall pick in this year's draft.

The 6-foot-3, 252-pound linebacker registered 12.0 sacks and a nation-high 23.5 tackles for loss, along with two forced fumbles and four passes defensed, on his way to being named Unanimous All-American and first-team All-Big Ten.

He was also selected as the Nagurski-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and the Smith-Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, all in his first season lining up on the edge.

Prior to the 2024 campaign, Carter primarily lined up at off-ball linebacker, where he totaled 11.0 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, nine passes defensed, one interception, and three forced fumbles to go with his 104 total tackles (61 solo) across his first two collegiate seasons. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the media both years, while being tabbed first-team all-conference by the Big Ten coaches in 2023.

The Giants have only had one player be named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year since the award's inception in 1967. That was in 1981, of course, when Lawrence Taylor not only took home the award for the league's top defensive rookie, but was also selected as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pro after recording 9.5 sacks.

Currently on Giants.com

Schedule to be released May 14; view opponents

PFF discusses Malik Nabers' ceiling

Giants' rookie class gets fitted for equipment

Roster Moves: Giants sign tryout CB T.J. Moore

Cover 3: First impressions of the rookie class

Around the NFL

NFL announces schedule for 2025 International Games

Packers to host Eagles on 'Monday Night Football' in Week 10

Broncos to face Chiefs in Christmas Day clash on Prime Video

Bears to face Eagles in Black Friday game on Prime Video

Eagles-Commanders, Packers-Bears headline Week 16 Saturday doubleheader on FOX

MORE INFO