With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, a significant concern has emerged surrounding top defensive prospect Abdul Carter. The standout Penn State edge rusher, widely projected as a top-five pick, is now facing a critical medical decision that could impact his draft stock.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, medical tests conducted this week revealed that Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season. Now, the 21-year-old must decide whether to undergo surgery before the draft in April—a choice that could influence how NFL teams evaluate him. Schefter reports that Carter is expected to make his decision later this week.
Carter’s Agent Addresses the Injury
Drew Rosenhaus, Carter’s agent, downplayed the long-term impact of the injury, stating that there are differing medical opinions on whether surgery is necessary.
“There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future,” Rosenhaus said. “Either way, worst case scenario, we don’t expect this to impact where he is drafted.”
Rosenhaus outlined two possible paths for Carter:
- Undergoing preemptive surgery – This procedure would involve inserting a screw into his right foot to stabilize it. The expected recovery time would be approximately eight weeks, meaning Carter would be cleared well before rookie minicamps in May.
- Skipping surgery and proceeding with his Pro Day – By opting against the procedure, Carter could participate fully in workouts, allowing him to prove to NFL teams that the injury won’t affect his performance. However, this approach carries the risk of the issue worsening down the line.
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A Dominant College Career and Draft Projections
Carter has been one of the most dominant defensive players in college football over the past three seasons. During his final year at Penn State, he was named a unanimous All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, he terrorized offenses, finishing the season with 12.0 sacks and a Division I-leading 24 tackles for loss.
His explosiveness, versatility, and aggressive playstyle made him a surefire top-five pick, with some analysts even projecting him as a potential No. 1 overall selection.
Just weeks ago, Carter sent a bold message to NFL teams via social media, exuding confidence ahead of the draft. However, this injury diagnosis presents an unexpected hurdle in his path to the pros. While the situation remains fluid, teams will closely monitor Carter’s decision, as it could shape the trajectory of his draft stock in the coming weeks.
With over two months before rookie minicamps begin, Carter still has time to recover fully, but how he chooses to handle the injury could be a defining moment in his draft process.
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