With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, Abdul Carter’s landing spot remains a hot topic among analysts. The Penn State edge rusher is widely projected to be selected within the top five picks.
Carter has been mentioned as a potential No. 1 overall selection for the Tennessee Titans, though most analysts still predict the Titans will take Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the first pick.
The Cleveland Browns, holding the No. 2 pick, could target Carter despite their ongoing quarterback needs. USA Today’s Mike Freeman calls Carter the “star of this draft” who deserves close attention.
“There’s a view we could see some type of gold rush moment where several teams (or maybe more than several) try to trade with the Browns into that second spot to get Carter,” Freeman wrote.
Freeman notes that teams are more focused on Carter than media coverage suggests. While quarterbacks generate typical pre-draft discussion, NFL teams are reportedly centering their attention on the Penn State standout.
“Stuff I’m hearing about Carter: Best athlete in the draft… Titans, with the first pick, seriously considering taking him… Ten years from now, when everyone looks back to evaluate this draft, he will be viewed as its best player… Teams are considering offering a bevy of picks to move up and get him… Teams like his personality… Coaches that have met him love him. On and on it goes,” Freeman continued.
This interest persists despite Carter’s current injury status. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirms Carter is still rehabbing a shoulder injury. Carter also missed both the NFL Combine and Penn State’s Pro Day due to a foot issue.
The Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer projects Carter to the New England Patriots at No. 4 in his latest mock draft.
“The Patriots’ pass rush was almost non-existent last season, and although Harold Landry gives it a nice experienced production boost, it will be difficult for them to pass up on adding Carter’s explosiveness,” Iyer wrote.
Regardless of his landing spot, Carter appears positioned to make an immediate impact for whichever team selects him.
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