One of the most exciting times in the NFL calendar is just two weeks away—the NFL Draft. After months of anticipation, we're finally about to see where the top college athletes will land as they begin their professional careers. Cam Ward and Travis Hunter are projected to be the first two players off the board, but after that, it's anyone's guess, with plenty of drama sure to unfold.
Final mock drafts are starting to roll out as teams' intentions become clearer. In Mel Kiper’s latest mock, he has Shedeur Sanders falling to the New Orleans Saints with the No. 9 pick.
There was speculation that Sanders could end up with the New York Giants, but Kiper now has the Giants selecting Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Abdul Carter from Penn State.
That possibility may be gaining traction, as reports have surfaced that Carter met with the Giants.
“Penn State edge rusher and projected top pick Abdul Carter is visiting today and Thursday with the New York Giants,” Adam Schefter wrote.
Carter is a dominant presence on the defensive line and presents a nightmare matchup for any offensive lineman, regardless of experience or talent. However, he's been unable to participate in much of the pre-draft process due to a stress fracture in his foot and a lingering shoulder injury.
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"Still recovering from my shoulder, pretty much a hundred percent now. But knowing that I had the best training to come out here, and I didn't. So had to make the best decision for me," he said.
Once projected as the No. 1 overall pick, Carter’s stock has slipped due to his injuries and his absence from both the NFL Combine and Penn State’s Pro Day. If the Giants do select him, pairing Carter with Kayvon Thibodeaux could give them a ferocious, game-changing defensive front for years to come.