Abdul Carter: 'Overall impact on the game' should make me No. 1 pick

Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter didn't participate in on-field workouts at the NFL combine and pro day, but he still believes his name should be the first one called at the draft April 24.

"Just my overall impact on the game," Carter said Friday, making his case to be drafted No. 1, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "My versatility. I can play multiple positions, and I feel like, most importantly, I step up when I'm needed the most when crunch time comes around. When you need somebody to make that big play, I feel like I'm the guy who makes that big play."

Carter set career highs by recording 12 sacks and an FBS-leading 24 tackles for loss in 2024.

"I make people around me better, just take them on double-teams bringing extra attention to me, freeing up somebody else so they can make the play," he added.

Carter wasn't on the field for workouts at the combine and Penn State's pro day as he recovers from a shoulder injury. Medical testing at the NFL Scouting Combine also revealed the 21-year-old was dealing with a stress reaction in his foot. He opted not to undergo surgery.

"Still recovering from my shoulder, pretty much 100% now," explained Carter, who added that he doesn't feel "any pain" in his foot.

The Tennessee Titans own the first overall pick in 2025 and are projected to select Miami quarterback Cam Ward, though general manager Mike Borgonzi recently said "everything is still on the table."

Carter is only scheduling top-30 visits with teams that are drafting in the top four, sources told Albert Breer of TheMMQB.

The All-American defender already visited the Titans and Cleveland Browns - owners of the No. 2 selection - and reportedly will soon visit the New York Giants and New England Patriots. New York and New England own the No. 3 and No. 4 picks, respectively.