Both players possess the skills to thrive in the NFL and make a significant impact.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Penn
State prospects are once again making
headlines. Safety Jaylen Winston, once
considered a top draft candidate, faces
uncertainty after missing most of the
2024 season due to injury. Meanwhile,
linebacker Abdul Carter has scouts
buzzing, with NFL Draft expert Matt
Miller drawing comparisons between
Carter and former Nittany Lion star
Micah Parsons.
Jaylen Winston’s Uncertain Draft Stock.
Before the 2024 season, Jaylen Winston
was widely regarded as one of the top
safeties in college football. A hard-hitting
defensive back with elite range and ball-
hawking instincts, Winston was
projected to be a first-round pick.
However, an early-season injury
sidelined him for nearly the entire year,
leaving NFL teams questioning his
durability and draft value.
Winston has been working tirelessly to
rehab and prove he’s still an elite
prospect. His medical evaluations at the
NFL Scouting Combine will be critical, as
teams will want assurances that he has
fully recovered. Some scouts still believe
he has Day 1 potential if he performs
well in pre-draft workouts.
“Before the injury, Winston was a
surefire first-rounder,” said an
anonymous NFL scout. “If he can show
he’s 100% healthy, he’s still one of the
best safeties in this draft class.”
Despite the concerns, Winston’s talent is
undeniable. At 6’1” and 205 pounds, he
possesses the ideal frame for an NFL
safety, along with elite closing speed and
tackling ability. If teams believe he’s fully
healed, he could be a steal for a franchise
looking to shore up its secondary.
Abdul Carter: The Next Micah Parsons?
On the other side of the spectrum, Abdul
Carter’s draft stock is skyrocketing. The
explosive Penn State linebacker has
drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons,
the Dallas Cowboys’ All-Pro defender
who has taken the NFL by storm.
NFL Draft expert Matt Miller recently made the bold comparison, stating:
“Carter has the versatility, athleticism,
and pure playmaking ability that
reminds me a lot of Micah Parsons. He
can dominate as a pass rusher, drop into
coverage, and play sideline to sideline.”
Carter’s stats back up the hype. In 2024,
he recorded 85 tackles, 14 tackles for
loss, and 9 sacks, proving to be a
disruptive force in both the run and pass
game. At 6’3” and 250 pounds, he has the
physical tools to excel in multiple roles at
the next level.
Much like Parsons, Carter’s ability to
rush the passer sets him apart. Some
teams see him as a traditional
linebacker, while others believe he could
thrive as a full-time edge rusher in the
NFL. His performance at the Combine,
particularly in the 40-yard dash and
agility drills, will help determine
whether he solidifies himself as a first-
round pick.
What’s Next for These Penn State Stars?
With the NFL Combine and Pro Days on
the horizon, both Winston and Carter
have a lot to prove. Winston needs to
reassure teams that his injury won’t
hinder his career, while Carter will look
to confirm his status as one of the most
dynamic defensive prospects in the
draft.
For Winston, a strong showing in
medical evaluations and positional drills
could push him back into Day 1
consideration. If concerns linger, he may
slip into the second or third round,
where a team could get a high-upside
talent at a bargain.
Carter, meanwhile, has the opportunity
to cement himself as a top-15 pick, or
possibly even crack the top 10 if he
dazzles in workouts. Teams looking for a
defensive playmaker capable of changing
a game on any given snap will have him
high on their draft boards.
As the draft process unfolds, all eyes will
be on these Penn State standouts.
Whether it’s Winston’s fight to regain his
draft stock or Carter’s rise to stardom,
one thing is certain—both players have
the talent to make an impact at the next
level.
