The journey to the NFL Draft is often filled with unexpected twists. Especially for Penn State Nittany Lions star pass rusher Abdul Carter, the latest development could shake up the entire draft board.
Once considered a near lock for the No. 1 overall selection, Carter now faces uncertainty. It’s especially after medical evaluations uncovered an injury that could sideline him ahead of the draft.
Injury Puts Abdul Carter’s NFL Draft Stock in Question
“Tests today revealed that potential No. 1 pick Abdul 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,” NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on X.
Tests today revealed that potential No. 1 pick Abdul 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… pic.twitter.com/9nyRyjFxlG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2025
This revelation has thrown a wrench into Carter’s pre-draft process, forcing him and his representatives to carefully consider their next move. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, addressed the situation with a measured response, stating:
“There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future.”
Despite the medical setback, Carter has not wavered in his belief that he should be the first player off the board when the draft kicks off.
“Defensive players impact the game just as much as the quarterback,” he said.
“All the teams that have won Super Bowls, they have that one standout player. I feel like I’m that.”
Carter entered the draft cycle as one of the most dominant defensive prospects available. He is currently ranked No. 1 in ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft and sits as the No. 2 prospect in ESPN’s consensus rankings.
However, his competition for the top selection is fierce, with quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, along with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, also vying for the coveted No. 1 spot.
During the NFL Combine, Carter met with the Tennessee Titans, the team currently holding the first overall pick. He expressed confidence in his ability to go first.
“I feel like it’s very realistic. I feel like I’m the best player in the country, and the best player should be picked first. 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,” Carter stated.
What’s Next for Carter?
While Carter’s foot injury is the most pressing concern, it isn’t the only physical setback affecting his draft preparation. A separate shoulder/arm injury kept him from participating in the testing portion of the NFL Combine.
However, this injury did not prevent him from playing in Penn State’s College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Notre Dame, which could work in his favor when teams assess his durability and toughness.
As of now, Carter estimates he is 90% healthy and is preparing for his Pro Day at Penn State. He plans to train with Brent Calloway at Exos in Plano, Texas, over the next month to get into peak condition.
At 248 pounds, Carter has hit his target playing weight but remains flexible, stating that he is willing to adjust his weight based on the needs of whichever team drafts him.
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With an impressive 12-sack season under his belt, Carter has already proven himself as a dominant force on the field. Now, the biggest challenge is overcoming the injury concerns that could impact his draft position.
Regardless of how things play out, Carter has confirmed his plans to attend the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he hopes to hear his name called first.
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