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Where are Penn State stars Abdul Carter, Tyler Warren, and KJ Winston Jr. on a new 2025 NFL Draft consensus big board?

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•about 10 hours•

GregPickel

Abdul Carter
Abdul Carter (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Will Penn State have two top-10 NFL Draft picks for the first time since 2000 and two top-five selections for the first time since 1995 in the 2025 pro selection process? One new consensus big board thinks so. The Athletic put together “rankings from a wide range of NFL Draft experts to identify how the top prospects are viewed relative to the rest of their class.” After checking in at No. 2 in the initial version, Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter is now No. 1.

“Carter might not have elite size. But his explosiveness is special and allows him to win with initial burst, edge speed or power through contact,” Dane Brugler writes for The Athletic.

“His rush plan and sequencing continue to improve with his reps. He projects as the type of pass rusher that can force offenses to alter their game plan.”

Carter has not been shy about saying he believes that he should go No. 1 overall. The Tennessee Titans currently hold that selection. Most mock drafts have him going to the Cleveland Browns at No. 2. He is currently recovering from a shoulder injury and now also has a fractured right foot.

The next Penn State player on The Athletic’s consensus big board is tight end Tyler Warren. He checks in at No. 5. That marks a big jump from where he was in the initial offering: No. 14. Kyle Pitts became the first tight end to go in the top five back in 2019. Warren could join him in that exclusive club. But, it’s become popular to send him to the New York Jets at No. 7.

“The Jets ranked second to last in rushing offense last season. They desperately need another target in the passing game,” Daniel Jeremiah writes for NFL.com. “Warren helps them improve in both of those areas.”

More: Penn State set to host McDonogh LB Nick Abrams in April

The third Nittany Lion on the consensus big board is safety KJ Winston. Despite missing almost all of the 2024 season due to injury, the Maryland native is seen by most as a top 100 player in this year’s selection process. The Athletic agrees, putting him at No. 73 overall.

“Winston entered the season with a ton of promise and was viewed in September as a potential top-50 pick,” Brugler writes. “A torn ACL in Week 2 sidelined him for the season, though, and put a discount sticker on his 2025 NFL Draft stock. He is expected to be cleared for workouts in March.”

It is still unclear if Winston Jr., will be cleared to return to workouts, though. He is one of five Penn State players who are invited to this year’s NFL Combine. It starts next week in Indianapolis. Warren and Carter will be there, too, along with linebacker Kobe King and safety Jaylen Reed. Carter will not work out, however. He is still recovering from an injury suffered in the College Football Playoff. And, Warren is declining to work out as well, FOX Sports reports. But, he is in Indianapolis and will do all of the Combine’s off-field activities.

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