Can Abdul Carter Break the NFL Rookie Sack Record in 2025?

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes are on Abdul Carter, the New York Giants’ third overall pick, to see if he can challenge the rookie sack record set by Jevon Kearse in 1999. Kearse, known as “The Freak,” set the benchmark with 14.5 sacks during his debut season with the Tennessee Titans.

Carter’s College Dominance

Carter’s collegiate career at Penn State was nothing short of impressive. In his senior year, he amassed 12 sacks and led the FBS with 23.5 tackles for loss, boasting an 18.5% pressure rate—third nationally.  His consistent performance over 42 games, including 35 starts, resulted in 23 career sacks, placing him sixth in Penn State history.

A Formidable Defensive Line

Joining a Giants defense that already features Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, Carter is poised to benefit from the attention these veterans command. This dynamic could provide him with more one-on-one opportunities to pressure quarterbacks.

Breaking Kearse’s record is a formidable challenge. Even standout rookies like Aldon Smith and Micah Parsons fell short, recording 14 and 13 sacks respectively in their debut seasons.  However, Carter’s unique combination of collegiate production and a strong supporting cast gives him a fighting chance.

The Road Ahead

While surpassing 14.5 sacks is ambitious, Carter’s talent and the Giants’ defensive scheme could position him as a serious contender. If he maintains his health and adapts quickly to the professional level, Carter might not only chase the rookie sack record but also emerge as a frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Only time will tell if Carter can etch his name into the NFL record books, but the foundation is certainly there for a historic rookie campaign.