For at least for now, Abdul Carter can avoid surgery and showcase the skills he thinks will ensure he will be number one overall in the 2025 NFL Draft in April.
After it was revealed Wednesday that Pennsylvania's pass rush had a stress response in his right leg, which could require surgery, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday morning that doctors “can't recommend it” after an additional scan for the 21-year-old, and that he plans to exercise during the pro day of Nittany Lions on March 28th.
“We couldn't be sure this would be a non-factor he's been drafted,” Carter's agent Drew Rosenhaus said. I told ESPN. “He will hold a show on professional day.”
Previously Rosenhouse I told ESPN Carter has preemptive surgery (with screws placed on his right foot) and may be cleared to exercise and run eight weeks later.
“I don't think either way, the worst-case scenario, this will affect where he was drafted,” Rosenhaus told ESPN before the doctor made the final call. “After visiting with the team this week, I think he will be the number one overall pick.”
The Titans currently hold the No. 1 pick, followed by the Browns and Giants.
All three teams need quarterbacks, but the high-end predictability of Carter and Colorado cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter has uncertainty for the top of the draft.
“I feel like I'm the best player in the country,” Carter told reporters for the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday. “And you need to choose the best player.”
