By Dianna Russini, Jeff Howe and Amos Morale III
Former Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter will not work out at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine but has informed teams that he will be cleared to participate at the Nittany Lions’ pro day on March 28, league sources confirmed to The Athletic.
Carter, The Athletic’s No. 2-ranked draft prospect, is recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered in Penn State’s playoff win over Boise State and later played through during the Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame. Still, the injury didn’t prevent Carter from making an impact as he logged his 12th sack of the season in that final game.
The 21-year-old declared for the NFL Draft shortly after the College Football Playoff semifinals and has since been cleared to resume training by Dr. Dan Cooper, according to Carter’s agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey.
Carter is a projected top-five overall pick and the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. He moved from linebacker to defensive end this past season and finished with 23.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has consistently rated Carter highly throughout the draft process, writing that his “explosiveness is special and allows him to win with initial burst, edge speed or power through contact. His rush plan and sequencing continue to improve with his reps, and he projects as the type of pass rusher that can force offenses to alter their game plan.”
Carter joins a couple of this year’s other top prospects in opting not to work out at the combine. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty are both not expected to participate in on-field drills at this week’s event, including the 40-yard dash, vertical and broad jumps and other position-specific drills.
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