INDIANAPOLIS– An NFL GM who could end up drafting Penn State DE Abdul Carter used the word “special” when describing him at the NFL Combine early Tuesday afternoon.
We all know Carter is going to go high in the Draft, perhaps as high as No. 1.
If Carter doesn’t go No. 1, two would be a solid place to be, as well.
It’s anybody’s guess as to whether the Cleveland Browns will even have the option of drafting Carter– thought by many to be a “generational” edge prospect, and it’s also anybody’s guess as to if the Browns would even pick him over a QB if they had the chance.
But Browns GM Andrew Berry is a big fan.
WHAT BERRY SAID
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Abdul Carter
Here’s what Berry said about Carter.
“He’s tough, physical. Rare athlete with outstanding speed. He’s special in his own regard. He can play off the ball, he can rush the passer. He’s an excellent prospect.
#Browns GM Andrew Berry on Abdul Carter:
“He’s tough, physical. Rare athlete with outstanding speed. He's special in his own regard. He can play off the ball, he can rush the passer. He’s an excellent prospect.” https://t.co/WjZtrGdMI1
— Seth Engle (@bigsengtweets) February 25, 2025
It’s hard to argue with any of that.
This past season Carter became the first Penn State player in almost a decade to reach double-digit sacks (12) and led the nation in tackles for loss (22). The last part of the season was rough for Carter, who suffered a shoulder injury in the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State New Year’s Eve night.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Even with the bad shoulder, Carter still had a dominant last game. In Penn State’s Orange Bowl/College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Notre Dame, Carter had five tackles (three solo) and a sack.
But the injury is serious enough to keep Carter from working out at this week’s Combine.
The good news is Carter still plans to work out at Penn State’s Pro Day, scheduled for March 28.
A factor that could lead the Browns to not draft Carter is a man named Myles.
THEY’RE NOT TRADING MYLES GARRETT… OR SO HE SAYS
The Browns have one of the league’s best players at DE, and the team has no plans to trade him, per Berry.
Myles Garrett requested a trade earlier this month, and who knows whether or not the Browns accommodate it.
But Berry did say the team “can’t imagine a situation where not having Myles as part of the organization is best for the Browns” and brought that point home several more times during his presser.
If the Browns keep Garrett, that could impact their desire to take an EDGE over a quarterback. Cleveland certainly doesn’t have a star QB.
The NFL Combine runs through Sunday, March 2.
