Penn State’s Abdul Carter Skips NFL Combine Due to Shoulder Injury, Still Projected as Top NFL Draft Pick
Penn State standout defensive end Abdul Carter, widely regarded as a potential top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, will not participate in on-field workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week due to a shoulder injury. However, he will undergo physical exams and engage in interviews with teams.
Carter’s shoulder injury is not a recent development; he played through it during Penn State’s Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame. Despite this, he has recently been cleared to resume training.
Expectation of Recovery for Nittany Lions Pro Day
Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has stated that his client intends to be ready for his Nittany Lions Pro Day.
"We fully expect Abdul to be recovered in time to work out at his pro day at Penn State, and he will perform at a very high level," Rosenhaus told ESPN.
Medical Clearance and Information Dissemination
Rosenhaus will also distribute a letter to all 32 NFL teams from Dr. Dan Cooper, indicating that Carter has been cleared to resume training, as reported by ESPN.
Elite Defensive Prospect Despite Injury
Despite his injury, Carter remains one of the most highly touted defensive prospects in this year’s draft. He is widely considered the top defensive end and arguably the best defensive player overall.
In his stellar season with Penn State, Carter amassed 24 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, and four passes defended. He was instrumental in the Nittany Lions’ Big Ten championship triumph and their College Football Playoff run until their eventual elimination by Notre Dame.
Projected Draft Position and Accolades
Various mock drafts project Carter as high as the first or second overall pick, while others have him slotted slightly lower at No. 7.
Carter’s exceptional talent has earned him recognition as a first-team All-American by multiple organizations, including the Associated Press, the Football Writers Association of America, and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He was also named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year by the league’s coaches and media members.
Carter’s decision to skip the combine workouts is likely a precautionary measure to protect his injured shoulder and ensure a strong performance at his Pro Day. Should he recover fully and demonstrate his exceptional abilities at his Pro Day, he remains a prime candidate to be selected among the top picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.
