The Giants upgraded their defensive line this offseason with the addition of edge rusher Abdul Carter, whom they selected with the No. 3 overall pick of this year’s draft.
Now, Carter is figuring out how to bring his defensive prowess to the professional level.
Before Tuesday’s practice, Giants linebackers coach Charlie Bullen assessed that transition.
“The most important thing that he has, that all the great ones do, is his natural feel for pass rush,” Bullen said. “And it’s hard to put a finger on what that really is. At that time, the great ones can just feel it.”
In Saturday’s 31-12 win over the Jets, Carter was at the receiving end of a brutal chip block from Jets tight end Stone Smartt. After the game, the NFL posted a highlight of the play, which went viral on social media.
Bullen told reporters that he explained to Carter that the play was a compliment because it means the rookie is seen as a formidable opponent.
“It’s happened to every great pass rusher,” Bullen said. “So that it has happened to everyone. It’s going to happen again, you know. And that’s just part of being a great player. It’s also a sign of respect, you know, that they’re going to allocate somebody to, you know, not run a route and chip in.”
Earlier this week, Carter responded to the clip posted by the NFL, writing on X: “might be the only highlight of the Jets all season and we put BTA. weak ass chip ate that mf like bbq.”
“I mean, he’s a super competitive person, super competitive player,” Bullen said of Carter’s response to the clip. “I mean, that’s just how he’s wired. So you know that that was just him being competitive, which is part of what makes him a great player.”
Expectations will be high for both Carter and the Giants’ defense in general this season because it also features standouts Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns.
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Bridget Hyland may be reached atbhyland@njadvancemedia.com.
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