INDIANAPOLIS — Former Penn State football standout Abdul Carter made his intentions known on Wednesday, confidently proclaiming that he deserves to be the top selection in the upcoming NFL draft.
Stepping up to the microphone at the NFL’s annual scouting combine held in Indianapolis, Carter wasted no time in asserting his position in the 2025 draft class hierarchy.
“I believe I’m the premier player in the country, and the best should be chosen first,” Carter stated. “The commitment I’ve shown through training with my father and the sacrifices I’ve made solidify my spot at the top.”
Bold declarations are nothing new during the combine period.
However, Carter’s stats back up his claim. Last season, he amassed 68 tackles, led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 23 1/2 tackles for loss, and added 12 sacks, ranking him seventh nationally. Moreover, his performance earned him the title of the Big Ten’s top defensive player in 2024, with a career total of 39 1/2 tackles for loss, 23 sacks, and 14 passes defensed over three years.
The debate circles around whether Carter, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 259 pounds, is better suited as a defensive end or an outside linebacker. Regardless of his positional designation, he is poised to be among the first defensive players drafted on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Securing the No. 1 overall pick poses its challenges.
Historically, only three defensive players—Jadeveon Clowney in 2014, Myles Garrett in 2017, and Travon Walker in 2022—have been selected first overall since 2007, primarily due to their prowess in pass-rushing.
Overcoming the draft projections favoring quarterbacks like Cam Ward from Miami and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, along with Heisman Trophy recipient Travis Hunter, remains a tall order.
Duke Tobin, Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel, commented on the difficulties a non-quarterback faces in becoming the top draft pick, highlighting the usual dominance of quarterbacks and exceptional pass-rushers in the selection process.
Tobin, an alumnus of Colorado, alluded to Hunter, primarily a cornerback, who also exhibited his versatility by playing receiver in college and aims to do so in the professional league.
Nevertheless, Carter is determined to beat the odds and become the third athlete from Penn State to be announced as the first pick on draft day. The Tennessee team currently holds the top pick.
“Defensive players have as significant an impact on the game as quarterbacks,” the 21-year-old Carter remarked. “Winning teams have that standout player. I believe I’m that standout.”
