Penn State’s renowned defensive player, Abdul Carter, is getting a lot of views for the upcoming NFL Draft.
Because of his excellent performance and great season, which included 68 tackles (43 solo), two forced fumbles, and four passes defended on the field, many analysts claimed him as a top-most pick, coming in the top 10, and some stated they could see him in the top five as well.
On the other hand, one expert NFL Draft analyst, Daniel Jeremiah, thinks Carter should be the number one overall pick.
Abdul Carter Confidently Declares Himself a Top Prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft
The Penn State edge rusher Carter made it clear to the media by claiming he should be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Carter said, “I feel like I’m the best player in the country, and the best player should be picked first,” Carter said. “It’s the work I put in with my dad, who trained me, and all the sacrifices I made. I know I’m the best.”
Abdul Carter told reporters today he’s 90% recovered and will ramp up toward his pro day. As far as No. 1…
“I feel like I’m the best player in the country and the best player should be selected No. 1.” https://t.co/euNuCBVfeP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2025
Even Daniel Jeremiah shared his thoughts on “The Pat McAfee Show” held on Thursday, Jan. 23, giving insight on the draft, saying, “Yeah, for me, Abdul Carter’s the best player in the draft. So, when I heard that, just thinking ‘blue player,’ you know, an elite player, someone who’s gonna step in and be a Pro Bowler right out of the shoot, that was what I heard.
“To me, Travis Hunter is so unique in how you can use him and all the different things he can do. So, that at least perked me up.”
He added to the discussion by saying, “Whether it’s Cam Ward vs. Shedeur, they have a need at quarterback; it’s going to be one of those two guys. That perked me up to say, ‘They might be taking a long-range view and just taking the best player.’ To me, Carter, at a premier position, I would argue the second most important position on the field, to have a guy at that level of talent, I’d be all in on that.”
Carter’s NFL Draft Stock in Doubt Amid Possible Surgery
Recently, the Penn State pass rusher was called to the workout session at the Scouting Combine, but he was unable to attend. He is still recovering from a shoulder injury in the Fiesta Bowl win against Boise State. Despite being allowed to practice, he has still decided to wait for the Pro Day in March.
But things are getting worse because, according to one report from NFL insider Adam Schefter, he also has a stress injury in his right foot.
And that might lead him to further go for surgery. Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, gave the public information by saying, “Tests today [Feb. 26] revealed that potential No.1 pick Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot, and the Penn State standout will need to decide soon whether to have surgery, sources told ESPN.”
“‘There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out shortly,’” Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said Wednesday night in Indianapolis, the site of the NFL’s annual scouting combine.
KEEP READING: NFL Draft Rumors: ESPN Insider Now Hears Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter at No. 2 for the Cleveland Browns
Moreover, as we mentioned, Carter has already missed out on these NFL Combine workouts. Now, his only chance to improve his draft chances is to participate in Pro Day.
Moreover, teams will also monitor Carter’s surgery and its outcome and accordingly draft the edge rusher in April.
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