What's next for Abdul Carter after Penn State Pro Day? Injury upate, upcoming visits, Draft plans, and more
STATE COLLEGE — Penn State All-American Abdul Carter will be in Green Bay, Wisc., 27 days from Friday for the opening night of the 2025 NFL Draft. He believes his name should be the initial one called by commissioner Roger Goodell whenever the first team sends in its selection. That appears to be an unlikely outcome, but a possible one nonetheless. Either way, the Philadelphia native will use the selection process as motivation for his rookie season following a dazzling display, first at linebacker and then defensive end, as a Nittany Lion.
“A lot of reasons,” Carter said when asked why he should go No. 1. “Definitely just my overall impact on the game, my versatility. Can play multiple positions, and I feel like, most importantly, I step up when I’. needed the most. When crunch time comes around me, and they need somebody make that big play. I feel like I’m the guy who makes that big play.
“Everything happens for a reason. If I don’t go number one, it wasn’t meant to be. But I’m also going to have that motivation. If they don’t select me, that’s motivation. Can’t wait ’til I see them. But I feel like everything happens for a reason. Wherever I’m meant to be, that’s where I’m going to be.”
Carter did not work out at Penn State Pro Day, but he’s on the right track
Carter did not work out at the NFL Combine due to a shoulder injury he suffered during the Penn State College Football Playoff run. He did not take the field Friday for the same reason. It’s a decision he said he made with his management team in the days leading up to Pro Day. While disappointed to not be working out with the other 10 Nittany Lions who did (fellow projected first round pick Tyler Warren did not work out despite being on hand, too), Carter said that, most importantly, he’s feeling good.
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“I’m pretty close to 100 percent. Closest I’ve been in a long time.”
Carter met with the Cleveland Browns here on Thursday night. He has future meetings coming up with the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. Those three teams pick Nos. 2-4, respectively, in the current draft order.
The fact that Tennessee, who owns the top selection, isn’t on the list may be a sign he won’t go first. Or, maybe it won’t matter. Regardless, the Penn State star is on the verge of finding out where he’ll play next. And, wherever that is, he’ll greet Goodell on stage shortly after it is announced over the loud speakers in a theatre set up just outside of the Packer’s Lambeau Field.
“I always wanted to walk that stage,” Carter said. “It’s been a dream of mine. So just be able to walk that stage, shake the commissioner’s hand, hold up the jersey: That’s been a dream for me.”
