Should potential top-five pick's injury news raise concerns before 2025 NFL Draft?

"He is still finishing up rehab on his shoulder he had from the Boise State game in the [College Football Playoff quarterfinal]," Rosenhaus told Schefter. "He may still do a workout for teams sometime in mid-April."

In February, Schefter reported that Carter, who didn't work out at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, had a stress fracture in his right foot. Schefter added doctors advised him to avoid surgery.

"I couldn't be more confident that this will be a nonfactor where he's drafted," Rosenhaus said of the foot injury, per Schefter. "He will put on a show at his pro day."

Carter hasn't tested at the combine or pro day, but he could still be a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled fore April 24-26. In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Matt Miller has the Cleveland Browns taking the 6-foot-3, 250-pounder with pick No. 2.

Carter's medical situation still bears watching for NFL teams. Injury issues in college can carry over to the NFL.

In 2014, the Houston Texans took Jadeveon Clowney with pick No. 1. Clowney battled a sports hernia, bone spurs and a muscle strain in his final season with South Carolina. During his rookie season, a meniscus tear limited him to four games. 

Clowney has since struggled to fulfill his potential. In 11 seasons, he has bounced around the league, playing for five other teams besides Houston (Browns, Ravens, Seahawks, Panthers and Titans). 

However, Carter's shoulder didn't look like an issue in the CFP semifinal against Notre Dame. In the 27-24 loss, he had eight pressures, per Pro Football Focus. 

Carter's injuries are something teams shouldn't ignore, but they may not convince them to pass on the talented edge-rusher.