Abdul Carter’s Absence at the NFL Combine: What It Means for the Draft
INDIANAPOLIS — The NFL scouting combine is a pivotal event for college football players aspiring to make their mark in the professional league. However, this year, one of the most anticipated prospects, Abdul Carter from Penn State, will be notably absent from the workouts due to a shoulder injury. This news has stirred quite a buzz among fans and analysts alike.
Carter, a standout defensive end/outside linebacker, suffered the injury during Penn State’s loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals in January. His agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Carter will not participate in the physical drills at the combine. However, they assured that he is expected to be fully recovered in time for his pro day at Penn State, where he aims to showcase his skills at a high level.
Despite his absence from the workouts, Carter will still undergo medical exams and participate in team interviews at the combine. Rosenhaus has also communicated with NFL teams, forwarding a letter from Dr. Dan Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys‘ team physician, who has treated Carter. The letter states that Carter has been medically cleared to resume training, which is a positive sign for his future prospects.
It’s not uncommon for top prospects to skip the combine workouts. Last year, for instance, none of the first three players selected in the draft — quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye — participated in the Indianapolis workouts. This year, Shedeur Sanders from Colorado and Ashton Jeanty from Boise State have also opted out of on-field drills.
As the combine kicks off, defensive linemen and linebackers are among the first to arrive. They began their team interviews on Monday, with medical exams scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, and on-field workouts set for Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Despite not participating in the physical drills, Carter remains a top prospect in the draft.
- Abdul Carter is the most highly rated edge rusher on the board.
- He is the No. 2-rated prospect on ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest big board.
- He is the No. 1 prospect in ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller’s latest rankings.
- He is No. 2 in ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid’s rankings.
Carter’s impressive stats from the season speak volumes about his potential. He led all FBS players with 24 tackles for loss in the Nittany Lions’ 16 games, along with 12 sacks and two forced fumbles. These numbers highlight his ability to disrupt offenses and make significant plays, which is why he is so highly regarded by analysts.
While his absence from the combine workouts might raise some eyebrows, it’s important to remember that the combine is just one part of the evaluation process. Carter’s performance during the season and his potential to recover and perform at his pro day will be crucial in determining his draft position.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Carter’s recovery and his performance at Penn State’s pro day. His ability to bounce back from this injury and demonstrate his skills will be key in solidifying his status as a top draft pick.
Originally Written by: Jeff Legwold
