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Penn State Nittany Lions’ standout edge rusher Abdul Carter is facing a tough setback, one that could significantly impact his hopes of becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Carter, known for his confidence and belief that he is the best player in college football, may now have to come to terms with a serious injury that could force him to undergo surgery — a development that could derail his draft stock.
Carter, who has been vocal about his ambition to be the top pick, now faces the reality of a lingering foot injury. Reports indicate that the situation is serious enough that surgery is being actively discussed, potentially putting his immediate future in jeopardy. This unfortunate turn of events opens the door for other top prospects, including quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, to claim the spotlight. Among the many NFL decision-makers taking note is Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi, whose team holds the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Carter’s rise to stardom was fueled by a dominant junior season at Penn State. He racked up 12 sacks and led the Big Ten with 24 tackles for loss. On top of that, he earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors after recording 68 combined tackles and four passes defended. Those achievements boosted his confidence to the point where Carter boldly declared himself the best player in the country — one who deserved to be drafted first overall. But now, fate seems to have intervened.
On February 26, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that Carter had been diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right foot. According to Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, there are differing opinions among medical experts on whether surgery is necessary. A final decision is expected soon, with the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis serving as a critical backdrop for these discussions.
Two possible paths lie ahead for Carter. The first involves undergoing a preventative surgery, in which a screw would be inserted into his foot and later removed after about eight weeks. The second option would be to forgo surgery entirely and instead aim to participate in Penn State’s Pro Day, showcasing his skills directly to scouts and team representatives. Carter has shown toughness in the past, having already played through a shoulder injury in a game against Notre Dame. However, the mere mention of surgery is often a red flag for NFL teams, and it’s already becoming evident that Carter’s draft stock is taking a hit.
Carter’s agent, Rosenhaus, has reportedly sent a letter to all 32 NFL teams, written by Dr. Dan Cooper, explaining that Carter has now been cleared to resume training and is expected to be ready for Penn State’s Pro Day. Despite this reassurance, the Tennessee Titans — who currently hold the No. 1 overall pick — appear to be shifting their focus away from Carter.
Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi has made it clear that whoever the team drafts will have to compete with their current quarterback, Will Levis. Tennessee’s quarterback play was inconsistent last season, contributing to their disappointing 3-14 record. Given that reality, insider Ben Rolfe has reported that the Titans are increasingly leaning toward selecting Cam Ward, a polished quarterback from Miami (formerly Washington State), who is considered a more pro-ready option. Ward’s advanced development makes him a logical fit for the Titans, who are not in a position to groom a long-term project at quarterback.
Alongside Ward, Shedeur Sanders remains a contender for the top spot, despite some lingering concerns about his arm strength. However, Borgonzi has downplayed those concerns, arguing that Sanders’ ability to anticipate throws can compensate for any lack of elite arm strength.
Ultimately, Abdul Carter’s fate as a potential No. 1 pick may come down to whether he can avoid surgery and demonstrate his full capabilities during Penn State’s Pro Day. As things stand, his dream of hearing his name called first in the 2025 NFL Draft is hanging by a thread.