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Potential No. 1 Pick Abdul Carter Makes NFL Combine Decision

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 5:10 PM ET

Abdul Carter probably doesn't need the NFL Scouting Combine to fortify his draft stock.

The former Penn State defender continues to gain traction as a possible No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Carter sits atop many draft boards and mocks after posting 12 sacks and 24 tackles for losses during an All-American senior year with the Nittany Lions. He recorded a sack in Penn State's College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Notre Dame despite injuring his shoulder in the prior Fiesta Bowl win over Boise State.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Carter won't work out during this week's Combine because he hasn't fully recovered from the shoulder issue. Carter's agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, said the edge rusher should be able to participate in Penn State's March 28 pro day.

"We fully expect Abdul to be recovered in time to work out at his pro day at Penn State and he will perform at a very high level," Rosenhaus said.

While he won't perform any Combine drills, Carter will conduct interviews with teams and undergo physical exams at Lucas Oil Stadium. The annual pre-draft event runs from Thursday through Sunday.

Per Schefter, Rosenhaus also said they're sending a letter from a doctor saying Carter was just cleared to resume training and should be ready for Penn State's pro day.

Top prospects often skip Combine drills, so the development shouldn't diminish Carter's chances of going No. 1 to the Tennessee Titans in April.

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer that he ranks Carter "on a tier by himself." The scout compared Carter to former Penn State superstar Micah Parsons.

"I don't think he's quite as firm and strong as Micah," Jeremiah said. "Crazily enough, I think he plays as fast as he does. He has a really good feel and he can bend like crazy at the top of his rush."

Todd McShay told Breer he ranks Carter over Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter because he knows "definitively what I'm getting" in the rusher.

"It's the combination of his ability to change directions, the body control, he's violent with every move, with his hands, he's explosive," McShay said of Carter. "He's just a damn good football player."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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