One thing in life, you have to listen to experts. If the doctor informs you to start taking Folic Acid, you go to the pharmacy where you get your supplements and grab an 800mcg bottle on your way home.
Player agents have a huge influence on professional sports players. The reason is that the agents have the player’s best interest at all times. Nothing worse than an athlete doing a knucklehead maneuver, which kills his brand and marketability. You can’t make money if you ain’t playing. Cleveland Browns fans have see all of that happen.
RELATED: CARTER IS WHY THE BROWNS ARE NOT QB OR BUST
The NFL draft process is a different situation where game playing, manipulation and more (on every side) is laid out on the path, including at Pro Days. Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter skipped all aspects of Penn State’s Pro Day on Friday:
Edge rusher and top prospect Abdul Carter will not work out at Penn State’s Pro Day on Friday, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus. “He is still finishing up rehab on the shoulder injury he had from the Boise State game,” Rosenhaus said. “He may still do a workout for teams sometime in… pic.twitter.com/uxdt3nLHEi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 27, 2025
Why? His agent told him to.
Carter has been the one draft prospect most tied to Cleveland’s second overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft to be held April 24-26. There are other players that have been discussed and mocked for the Browns’ selection, but Carter is the one most chosen for the early pick.
The Tennessee Titans have the first overall selection, and the sentiment is that they will take Miami QB Cam Ward.
The reason Carter did not participate in his college’s Pro Day is that he is still undergoing rehab on his injured left shoulder, which he sustained in the December 31 contest in the college football playoffs against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, a 31-14 Penn State win. He was injured early in the second quarter after an incomplete pass on a third-down play. He exited the game with a 14-0 lead.
He was seen on the stationary bike for the duration of the quarter, and had his left arm wrapped when Penn State came out of the locker room to begin the third quarter. Carter did not return to the game.
Carter did participate in the Orange Bowl, the following game against Notre Dame, a 27-24 loss. However, he played sparingly and only had five total tackles with one sack.
At Penn State’s Pro Day, Carter did not run, lift, or perform any drills. It was the same scene at this year’s Combine where he was unable to participate in on-field drills.
Along with season film, NFL clubs use individual workouts, Combine numbers and testing times, plus visits and interviews to gauge how a team views prospects. On Thursday night, Carter had dinner with members of the Browns’ organization.
What does skipping his Pro Day mean for Carter’s draft stock?
Absolutely nothing. If his shoulder is still not completely healed, then it’s not. Carter and his agent certainly don’t want to mess with the medical side of his body and have a setback just to appease a bunch of NFL coaches and scouts who have seen him plenty on tape.
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl - Penn State v Boise State Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Carter also met with team members of the New York Football Giants on Friday, who hold the third pick behind Cleveland.
The quarterback position is a great need for the Browns, but it is currently assumed they will wait until Day 2. They own the first pick in Round 2, the third selection in Round 3, and also the #94 pick in the same round.
During the Orthopedic phase of his medical evaluation at the Combine, a “stress reaction” was located in Carter’s right foot. Apparently, this does not affect him whatsoever because Carter didn’t even know about the ailment and had been playing on it all season. If it was uncomfortable, he either ignored it or played through the pain. Or, it was new to him.
RELATED: EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT CARTER’S FOOT INJURY
During the Combine, Carter consulted with doctors. It was determined that he would not undergo surgery after the doctors advised against it, which meant they weren’t that concerned.
With all of these situations, does this mean Carter is injury-prone? Or does he have a few ailments that aren’t much of an issue?
Carter is considered one of the Top-3 players in this year’s draft, and if healthy, could help transform the Browns’ defense paired with All-World defensive end Myles Garrett.
What is your level of concern for Carter’s injuries? Join the conversation in the comment section below. If you’ve never signed up,click here to create an accountso you can be a part of the DBN community.