The question of who will be the top pick in the 2025 NFL draft got much more interesting.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, tests at the NFL Combine Wednesday revealed that potential top pick Abdul Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot, putting his on-field testing in the coming weeks in doubt.
“There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future,” said Carter’s agent Drew Rosenhaus Wednesday night.
Schefter reported that Carter has two options. The first is pre-emptive surgery, a procedure that would have a screw inserted into his foot and keep him away from football activities for eight weeks.
The second option would be to bypass the surgery, and prove to the teams that he can still perform at an elite level with the injury.
With defensive linemen and linebackers set to test Thursday at the combine in Indianapolis, Carter will not participate in the on-field drills. Penn State’s pro day will follow in a few weeks, and the standout pass rusher has to make his decision in the coming days if he hopes to show off his skills.
However, Carter and his team don’t view the injury as a major concern.
“Either way, worst case scenario, we don’t expect this to impact where he is drafted,” said Rosenhaus. “After visiting with teams this week, I believe he’s going to be the No. 1 overall pick.”
Carter is coming off a season where he dominated despite dealing with various injuries. He was named the Big 10’s top defensive player and recorded 12 sacks.
The star pass rusher is in contention for the top pick with the likes of Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter and Miami quarterback Cam Ward. The Titans hold the first selection in April’s draft, and their president of football operations Chad Brinker said in January that they won’t pass up on generational talent.
Generational talent can refer to a couple of names in this class, and although he can no longer show his skills at the combine, Carter believes he’s the the best of the best.
“I feel like I’m the best player in the country and the best player should be picked first,” the Penn State standout said Wednesday. “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.”
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