The 2025 NFL Draft is two weeks away, and one of the draft’s top players just received positive injury news. Unfortunately, this might reduce his chances of playing for the New England Patriots.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus recently informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “Abdul Carter’s medical recheck in Indianapolis today showed that the stress reaction in his foot is healing, there has been improvement, and no surgery will be needed. It should be a non-factor for the teams at this point.”
Abdul Carter’s medical recheck in Indianapolis today showed that the stress reaction in his foot is healing, there has been improvement and no surgery will be needed, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus. “It should be a non-factor with the teams at this point,” Rosenhaus said. pic.twitter.com/0pWOiC19Ou
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 10, 2025
Carter played three seasons at Penn State, accumulating 172 tackles (104 solo), 41 tackles for loss, 23 sacks, one interception, and five forced fumbles. In 2024, he was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and received unanimous All-American honors.
This news sounds like the best-case scenario for the former Penn State pass-rusher, but the folks at One Patriot Place could have mixed feelings. While they’re likely happy for Carter, the likelihood of him being available at No. 4 overall has diminished.
Not long ago, Schefter described Carter as the “likely pick” to go No. 2 overall to the Cleveland Browns. He stated on March 26th, “I would handicap Abdul Carter right now as the likely pick at No. 2. We reserve the right to change our minds; a lot of things can change, but the way this is shaking out, it looks like he’s on track to be a Cleveland Brown.”
However, recent reports suggest that Cleveland has shifted its focus to Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall. With Miami quarterback Cam Ward the likely No. 1 overall pick, the New York Giants will decide New England’s fate.
If the Giants choose their quarterback of the future, the top pass-rusher in the draft will fall into New England’s hands. If the Giants select Carter or trade down, the Patriots could be forced to pivot to their next best option.
