Abdul Carter entered the week viewed as one of the two best prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft coming off an All-American campaign as a standout edge rusher for the Penn State Nittany Lions. However, Carter made NFL news this week when medical exams revealed a stress reaction in his foot.
The injury was discovered during thorough medical evaluations at the NFL Scouting Combine, where prospects eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft are put through rigorous testing and scans. While the tests determined Carter doesn’t have a stress fracture, the revelation did raise questions about whether or not he would need surgery.
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Stress reactions can lead to stress fractures over time, however, and there were “mixed opinions” on whether or not surgery would be necessary this offseason. Fortunately, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, doctors determined that surgery is not advisable. He would sit out the athletic testing for the NFL Scouting Combine, but the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year will be able to work out at Penn State’s pro day on March 28.
- Abdul Carter stats: 24 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 4 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles in 2024
Even with the promising news, many wondered how it would influence where Carter lands in the 2025 NFL Draft. Some viewed him in strong consideration for the first pick by the Tennessee Titans, but the risk of a future stress fracture raised some doubts. Thankfully for the unanimous All-American, his draft stock appears to be safe right now.
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Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shared that he doesn’t expect Carter’s draft stock to be “impacted at all” by the foot issue. While it’s something the team that picks him will need to manage, potentially even requiring a pin before Week 1, there aren’t enough concerns for it to jeopardize when he is picked.
- Abdul Carter height and weight (NFL.com): 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds
Barring any unexpected setbacks, Carter should at least be a top-three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and he’ll be a strong candidate to win Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2025. As long as he stays healthy, Carter has the talent to become a perennial Pro Bowl selection in his prime.