Simple reason why Abdul Carter is the smart pick for Tennessee Titans in 2025 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is always a time for teams to refocus, rebuild, and reload for future success. For the Tennessee Titans, the upcoming 2025 draft presents an exciting opportunity to fortify their roster in areas that are essential for achieving long-term success. While there are numerous positions the Titans will need to address, one of the most critical areas for improvement is the defense. Specifically, selecting a linebacker like Abdul Carter could be a game-changing move for the Titans.

Abdul Carter, a standout linebacker from Penn State, represents one of the most promising defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. With his unique combination of athleticism, football IQ, and versatility, Carter could provide the Titans with a solution to their linebacker woes, enhancing their overall defensive strength. The Titans have long relied on a strong defensive identity, and Carter has the tools to elevate their defense to another level.

1. Improving the Linebacker Corps

Over the past few years, the Titans’ linebacker group has been inconsistent, failing to consistently make an impact in both pass coverage and run support. While the Titans have talented players in their defensive front, the linebacker position has often been a liability. The addition of Carter would immediately upgrade the unit, providing much-needed stability and playmaking ability.

Abdul Carter is a prototypical NFL linebacker who excels at both stopping the run and covering in pass defense. At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, he has the ideal size to excel in the NFL, combining strength with agility. He’s capable of filling gaps in the run game with the power needed to shed blockers and make tackles for loss. In coverage, Carter has the speed and awareness to cover tight ends and running backs, making him an asset against both the pass and the run.

For the Titans, upgrading the linebacker position could be the key to improving their defense. With Abdul Carter in the fold, they would gain a sideline-to-sideline linebacker who could not only help in stopping the run but also be a weapon in coverage. His skill set matches what the Titans need to compete with fast-paced offenses in the modern NFL, where linebackers are increasingly required to cover more ground.

2. Versatility and Scheme Fit

Carter’s versatility is one of his most appealing traits. He is capable of playing multiple linebacker positions, allowing him to be deployed in various defensive schemes. Whether the Titans are running a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, Carter has the adaptability to fit seamlessly into any scheme. His athleticism, intelligence, and football IQ would allow defensive coordinator Shane Bowen to use him in multiple roles.

Carter can rush the passer, cover in space, and provide support against the run. His ability to do all of these things at a high level is a rarity for a linebacker and provides the Titans with immense flexibility. This versatility would allow the Titans to adjust their defensive game plans based on the opponent, creating matchup problems for offenses.

In addition to his physical and technical abilities, Carter’s football IQ is one of the key factors that set him apart from many other linebackers. He can read offenses, diagnose plays quickly, and react to changing situations on the fly. This mental sharpness allows him to execute complicated defensive schemes and make adjustments in real time, making him a valuable asset in any defensive system.

3. Adding a Playmaker to the Defense

While the Titans’ defense has been a strength in recent years, one area where they have struggled is creating turnovers and disrupting the opposing offense. The Titans need a linebacker who can make plays on the ball—whether that’s forcing fumbles, picking off passes, or generating sacks. Abdul Carter has shown the ability to be a game-changer in this regard, frequently disrupting offenses and making impactful plays in critical moments.

Carter’s playmaking ability would give the Titans a linebacker who can change the game and shift momentum. Whether it’s through a timely interception, a sack, or a forced fumble, Carter has the ability to make an impact on both sides of the ball. His disruptive nature would add an element of unpredictability to the Titans’ defense, forcing opponents to account for him on every play.

Additionally, Carter’s ability to rush the passer could provide a much-needed boost to the Titans’ pass rush. While the Titans already have some strong defensive linemen, including standout players like Jeffery Simmons, adding a linebacker who can consistently pressure the quarterback would make their defense even more dangerous. The Titans’ defense would be able to create more pressure, get after opposing quarterbacks, and ultimately force more mistakes from their opponents.

4. Filling a Long-Term Need

The linebacker position has been a long-standing area of concern for the Titans. While they have made efforts to improve the group through both free agency and the draft, they have yet to secure a true, long-term solution at the position. By selecting Abdul Carter in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Titans would be filling that need with a highly skilled and durable player who could anchor their defense for years to come.

Carter’s skill set makes him a potential cornerstone piece of the Titans’ defense. He would instantly become a leader in the linebacker room and a playmaker on the field. His presence would allow the Titans to build their defense around a young, dynamic linebacker who could contribute at a high level for many years. With Carter as a foundation piece, the Titans would be able to create a more formidable defense that can compete with the top teams in the AFC.

By securing a linebacker of Carter’s caliber, the Titans would address one of their most pressing needs and ensure that they have a reliable defensive leader for the future. This would also allow them to focus on other areas in subsequent drafts, knowing they have a strong presence in the middle of their defense.

5. Leadership and Culture

Another underrated aspect of Abdul Carter’s game is his leadership. Carter has been a captain at Penn State and has shown the ability to motivate and lead his teammates both on and off the field. His leadership qualities would be an asset to the Titans’ locker room, as they continue to build a strong team culture.

The Titans have always prided themselves on being a team with a blue-collar mentality and a strong work ethic. Carter’s personality and leadership style align perfectly with that ethos. He is not just a physical presence on the field but a vocal leader who sets an example for others to follow. Bringing in a player with his character and leadership would further solidify the Titans’ culture and help foster a strong, cohesive team environment.

Having a leader like Carter on the field would also help elevate the play of the other linebackers and defensive players around him. His work ethic, attitude, and approach to the game would set a standard for the rest of the defense to follow, encouraging a collective effort toward greatness.