Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter is entering the NFL draft and is projected to be an early first-round pick, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Why it matters: Carter's decision to enter the draft has significant implications for his future career and the teams vying for his talents in the upcoming NFL season.

• As a standout player and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Carter's performance has garnered attention and raised expectations for his potential at the professional level.
• Being projected as an early first-round pick indicates that he is highly regarded by NFL scouts and analysts, adding to the anticipation surrounding his draft journey.

What's new: Abdul Carter, the All-America defensive end from Penn State, has made the decision to pursue his professional football career by declaring for the NFL draft.

• Carter's impressive performance during the College Football Playoff semifinal against Notre Dame, where he recorded his 12th sack of the season, further solidified his status as a top prospect in the draft.
• Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN's renowned draft analyst, ranks Carter as the second-best player available on his Big Board, highlighting the widespread recognition of his talent and potential.

Yes, but: While Carter's talent and achievements make him a highly sought-after prospect, there are always factors that can affect a player's success in transitioning to the NFL.

• The leap from college football to the professional level brings new challenges and higher competition, which may require adjustments and adaptation from Carter.
• Injuries, team fit, and overall performance in training camps and preseason games can also influence the trajectory of a player's career, even if they enter the league with high expectations.

What to watch: As the NFL draft approaches, all eyes will be on Abdul Carter and the teams interested in acquiring his services.

• The order of the draft picks and the strategies of various teams will determine when and where Carter will be selected, potentially shaping the course of his professional journey.
• The draft process itself, including interviews, workouts, and evaluations by NFL teams, will provide further insights into how Carter is perceived by decision-makers in the league.

What's next: With his declaration for the NFL draft, Abdul Carter will embark on a new chapter in his football career.

• He will undergo rigorous training and preparation to showcase his skills and athleticism to potential suitors during the pre-draft process.
• As the draft approaches, teams will continue their evaluations of Carter, and negotiations with his agent Drew Rosenhaus will likely intensify as they seek to secure his services.

The bottom line: Abdul Carter's decision to enter the NFL draft as an early first-round prospect highlights his exceptional talent and the high expectations surrounding his professional career. As the draft unfolds, it will be fascinating to see where he lands and how he will make an impact at the next level.

Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter is entering the NFL draft and is projected to be an early first-round pick, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Why it matters: Carter's decision to enter the draft has significant implications for his future career and the teams vying for his talents in the upcoming NFL season.

• As a standout player and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Carter's performance has garnered attention and raised expectations for his potential at the professional level.
• Being projected as an early first-round pick indicates that he is highly regarded by NFL scouts and analysts, adding to the anticipation surrounding his draft journey.

What's new: Abdul Carter, the All-America defensive end from Penn State, has made the decision to pursue his professional football career by declaring for the NFL draft.

• Carter's impressive performance during the College Football Playoff semifinal against Notre Dame, where he recorded his 12th sack of the season, further solidified his status as a top prospect in the draft.
• Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN's renowned draft analyst, ranks Carter as the second-best player available on his Big Board, highlighting the widespread recognition of his talent and potential.

Yes, but: While Carter's talent and achievements make him a highly sought-after prospect, there are always factors that can affect a player's success in transitioning to the NFL.

• The leap from college football to the professional level brings new challenges and higher competition, which may require adjustments and adaptation from Carter.
• Injuries, team fit, and overall performance in training camps and preseason games can also influence the trajectory of a player's career, even if they enter the league with high expectations.

What to watch: As the NFL draft approaches, all eyes will be on Abdul Carter and the teams interested in acquiring his services.

• The order of the draft picks and the strategies of various teams will determine when and where Carter will be selected, potentially shaping the course of his professional journey.
• The draft process itself, including interviews, workouts, and evaluations by NFL teams, will provide further insights into how Carter is perceived by decision-makers in the league.

What's next: With his declaration for the NFL draft, Abdul Carter will embark on a new chapter in his football career.

• He will undergo rigorous training and preparation to showcase his skills and athleticism to potential suitors during the pre-draft process.
• As the draft approaches, teams will continue their evaluations of Carter, and negotiations with his agent Drew Rosenhaus will likely intensify as they seek to secure his services.

The bottom line: Abdul Carter's decision to enter the NFL draft as an early first-round prospect highlights his exceptional talent and the high expectations surrounding his professional career. As the draft unfolds, it will be fascinating to see where he lands and how he will make an impact at the next level.