Abdul Carter will have a chance to impress NFL scouts and coaches at Penn State’s pro day next week. But what does Carter, one of the top prospects in the draft, really need to prove?
Carter is a potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft thanks to his elite explosiveness, instincts and tenacity. All of those qualities were on display as the star edge rusher racked up 12 sacks last year. He left everything on the field as the Nittany Lions fell just short of reaching the national championship — and he left an impression on NFL decision-makers in the process.
Ahead of next week’s pro day, here’s where draft experts have Carter landing in April.
No. 1, Tennessee Titans — The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner
“Cam Ward is the best QB prospect in this draft. That doesn’t mean he’s a no-doubter, though, and if you’re going to make this pick — when you’re as bad as the Titans were last season — you need bust-proof. The only thing teams have to monitor with Carter is the Penn State star’s injury situation, but nothing there appears to be a long-term concern.” — Baumgardner
No. 2 Cleveland Browns — ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.
“This is close. Really close. Travis Hunter would be outstanding here, regardless of whether the Browns use him on offense or defense. But I ultimately settled on Carter because he gives Jim Schwartz the second top-tier edge rusher that he has coveted since becoming Cleveland’s defensive coordinator in 2023. The Browns would suddenly have two great wide-nine pass rushers in Carter and Myles Garrett, who was extended earlier this month.” — Kiper
No. 2, Cleveland Browns — NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah
“The Browns could be weighing taking Cartier second and a quarterback in Round 2 versus picking Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 and waiting on edge rusher until the second round. I think you can make a strong argument that taking Carter and waiting for a second-tier QB in Round 2 is the better option.” — Jeremiah
No. 2, Cleveland Browns — CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso
“The Browns have visions of a return to the elite-level defense they fielded a few years ago with Carter and Myles Garrett together on the same defensive line.” — Trapasso
No. 7, New York Jets — Yahoo!‘s Nate Tice, Charles McDonald
“The Jets would be flying to the podium if this scenario were to unfold. Carter is the No. 2 overall player on my big board and has real game-wrecking potential as a pass rusher. He would inject some real juice into a front and unit that tapered off in 2024.” — Yahoo!