Penn State star edge rusher Abdul Carter will not require surgery on his right foot, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.
The news comes after further scans revealed that surgical intervention is unnecessary.
Rosenhaus shared the update with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, confirming that the injury would not hinder Carter’s draft prospects.
The scans showed no reason for surgery, and Rosenhaus emphasized that Carter is poised to impress at Penn State’s Pro Day on March 28.
“I couldn’t be more confident that this will be a non-factor where he’s drafted,” Rosenhaus told Schefter. “He will put on a show at his Pro Day.”
Though Carter had already planned not to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine due to his foot issue, the latest update means he will be able to showcase his talents during Penn State’s Pro Day later this month.
Carter’s confidence in his draft stock remains unwavering.
He boldly declared himself the best player in the 2025 draft class and even predicted he would be selected No. 1 overall.
“I feel like I’m the best player in the country and the best player should be picked first,” Carter said. “It’s the work I put in with my dad, who trained me, and all the sacrifices I made, I know I’m the best.
“Defensive players impact the game just as much as the quarterback. All the teams that have won Super Bowls, they have that one standout player. I feel like I’m that.”
Carter’s 2024 season with the Nittany Lions backed up his claims.
He finished the year with 68 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and two forced fumbles. His 23 ½ tackles for loss led all of the Football Bowl Subdivision.
While his confidence is evident, Carter’s pursuit of the No. 1 overall pick faces competition from top quarterbacks like Cam Ward of Miami and Shedeur Sanders of Colorado.
He also faces the challenge of competing with two-way star and Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter.
“I think quarterbacks have kind of a lock on that or maybe a great pass rusher,” Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said of the No. 1 overall pick. “Or maybe a guy that plays six positions like the one from my alma mater. We’ll see.”
The debate surrounding Carter’s potential No. 1 selection isn’t new, with defensive players having been taken first overall only three times since 2007 – Jadeveon Clowney (2014), Myles Garrett (2017), and Travon Walker (2022).
However, Carter remains determined to defy expectations and become the third Penn State player to be selected at the top of the draft.
Carter’s agent, Rosenhaus, is confident that his client’s performance at Pro Day will solidify his standing as a top pick, with the Tennessee Titans holding the top choice in April’s draft.
What are your thoughts on Carter as an NFL prospect? … Do you think he deserves to be selected first overall???
