The laundry list of needs for the New York Jets is quite long as they enter the 2025 offseason. Perhaps lower on that list is edge rusher given that the New York Jets have seen first round picks break out in each of the last two seasons at that position in Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald IV.
Despite that, an article by Jordan Plocher and Josh Liskiewitz of PFF recently identified the “perfect” NFL draft prospect for each team with the duo identifying an edge rusher for the New York Jets. Explaining their rationale, the authors wrote:
Will McDonald took a big step in pass-rush production in 2024 but with Haason Reddick’s desire to remain a Jet, a lingering question that remains is whether the team could use another young, productive pass-rusher to pair with McDonald.
Abdul Carter has a 92.2 PFF pass-rushing grade so far in the 2024 season to go along with 12 sacks, nine hits, 37 hurries, 22.9% pass-rush win rate. Abdul Carter can play both inside linebacker and outside linebacker and he can pass-rush effectively from the ILB spot, standing up on the edge or with his hand in the ground. He has good bend to rush around the outside and an effective spin move to add to it. Additionally, Carter’s lateral agility is also a plus on outside zone runs (the preferred run concepts of the Bills, Dolphins and Patriots), so he can easily jump back a gap and disrupt the run.
With the New York Jets holding the 7th overall pick, it’s entirely plausible that Carter is the best player available when they are on the clock. But what would you think about the pick? Yay or nay on Carter to the New York Jets?