For now, at least, Abdul Carter will avoid surgery and will be able to showcase the skills he believes warrant him going No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft in April.
After it was revealed Wednesday that the Penn State pass rusher has a stress reaction in his right foot that might need surgery, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday morning that doctors told the 21-year-old that surgery is “not advisable” after additional scans, and he’s set to work out during the Nittany Lions’ pro day on March 28.
“I couldn’t be more confident that this will be a non-factor where he’s drafted,” Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN. “He will put on a show at his pro day.”
Rosenhaus previously told ESPN that Carter could’ve had preemptive surgery — a screw being placed in his right foot — and be cleared for working out and running eight weeks afterward.
“Either way, worst-case scenario, we don’t expect this to impact where he is drafted,” Rosenhaus told ESPN before doctors made their final call. “After visiting with teams this week, I believe he’s going to be the No. 1 overall pick.”
The Titans currently hold the No. 1 pick, followed by the Browns and Giants.
All three teams need a quarterback, but the projected high-end potential of Carter and Colorado cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter is leaving the top of the draft uncertain, with Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders leading a quarterback class that is not as highly rated as last year’s.
“I feel like I’m the best player in the country,” Carter told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday. “And the best player should be selected No. 1.”
