Abdul Carter was supposed to be the can’t-miss pass rusher of the 2025 NFL Draft—the guy every franchise at the top of the board circled as a potential game-wrecker. His explosive first step, relentless motor, and ability to terrorize QBs had him firmly in the conversation to go first overall. But just as teams were preparing to get an up-close look at him during the NFL Scouting Combine, an unexpected medical finding threw a wrench into the plans.The Penn State’s hero EDGE rusher was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right foot during routine medical exams, suddenly adding a layer of uncertainty to his draft stock. While he had already been dealing with a lingering shoulder issue that kept him out of Combine drills, this new development forced a bigger question: Would it impact his standing in the draft hierarchy?The immediate concern was whether Abdul Carter would need surgery, potentially sidelining him for a crucial stretch of the pre-draft process. But further scans provided good news—doctors advised against surgery, meaning he could still perform at the Nittany Lions Pro Day on March 28. Thanks to agent Drew Rosenhaus and ESPN’s Adam Schefter covering all of it. That decision could prove critical for teams evaluating him. If Carter steps onto the field and looks like the dominant force scouts have seen on tape, the injury talk might fade into the background.In fact, the uncertainty surrounding his availability at the Combine might just elevate the significance of his Pro Day, making it a must-watch event for NFL decision-makers. With so much riding on that performance, the conversation quickly shifted to what Carter should do next, and that’s where Pat McAfee came in.On The Pat McAfee Show, McAfee broke down Carter’s situation, referencing his friend Schefter’s report on the two possible courses of action. “And, and like if Schefter’s report is accurate, which we assume it is, Schefter said he had two options,” McAfee said. “Yeah, Option one is get the surgery, get a bolt. Here it is right here. Option one for Carter would be to have the preemptive surgery, have [a bolt] inserted in his right foot, if he expected back in eight weeks.” Classic Carter. Being the ‘toughest guy,’ he went with option 2, naturally.“Option two for Carter would be to bypass the surgery, conduct his Pro Day, prove to NFL teams that he doesn’t need it ‘cause he’s probably had this for a long time without even knowing it. Maybe. They checked it here at medical and my first reaction is like, eight weeks, brother, it’s February. You go ahead and get that thing done and then you go into a season, especially if you’re a top—let alone the top one guy.” The former punter himself didn’t get his invite during his days and knows how it feels to miss the workouts. “Abdul Carter isn’t gonna have to get surgery and he’ll be ready to go for his Pro Day” @MoveTheSticks #PMSLive https://t.co/Fr3P8NYCf9 pic.twitter.com/gMBSrFPkHb— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 27, 2025Although a No. 1 pick prospect and top-five guaranteed won’t budge. “But if you’re like a top-five guy, like obviously there’s a difference in money, but what we’re about to do in the NFL is about to be different money. I get healthy, but I feel like they probably just assume that it’s not that big of a deal.” McAfee’s argument isn’t without merit. If Carter were dealing with something that could worsen over time, surgery would be the safest route. But the fact that his medical team believes it’s unnecessary suggests that this isn’t a make-or-break situation.And that’s precisely why agent Rosenhaus has remained adamant that Carter’s draft stock won’t be affected. “I couldn’t be more confident that this will be a non-factor where he’s drafted,” Rosenhaus said. “He will put on a show at his Pro Day.” It’s a bold claim, but one that speaks to just how much confidence Carter’s camp has in his ability to erase any doubt once he gets back on the field. Rosenhaus doubled down on that sentiment when speaking to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, insisting that Carter’s draft positioning remains unchanged. “Either way, we don’t expect this to impact where he is drafted,” he said.That’s a strong stance from one of the most influential agents in the business, and it suggests that NFL teams aren’t pressing the panic button just yet. Abdul Carter himself has shown no signs of backing down either. “I don’t expect this to be something that would cause him to slip… foot injury, shoulder injury… he’s just the best player in this class,” Rosenhaus reiterated. The message is clear—this is a bump in the road, not a detour.At the end of the day, NFL teams care about one thing: Can Abdul Carter terrorize quarterbacks at an elite level? His film shouts a resounding yes…Abdul Carter believes he’s “the best out there”Think about it: This guy played through a busted shoulder against Notre Dame in the CFP semis, still dropped two sacks in the Orange Bowl. A little foot stress? That’s just a Tuesday for him. And if you ask him, there’s zero doubt about who should be the first name called on draft night. “I feel like I’m the best player in the country, and the best player should be picked first,” Carter said with confidence.Despite dealing with the lingering effects of a Fiesta Bowl shoulder injury, Carter has already met with multiple teams, including the Tennessee Titans, who own the No. 1 overall pick. While he’s not quite at 100% yet, he’s getting there fast. “I’m really just starting to heat it up right now,” Carter shared. “I just got cleared, really started training, started working out again. So my next couple weeks look like just me getting right, me getting ready for my pro day and once I get to my pro day to perform at an elite level.”This isn’t just hot air. The odds are speaking volumes. Before the NFL Combine even kicks off, Cam Ward’s sitting pretty at -140 as the favorite for the top pick, but right on his heels is Carter at +175. And Shedeur? He’s hanging tough at 4th with +650. But here’s the thing: Carter’s case is exploding. With that elite skill set, the swagger that can’t be denied, and a shoulder that’s healing up nicely, he’s making a serious run for that No. 1 spot. This draft’s about to be a quarterback brawl, and Carter’s throwing the first punch.The post Abdul Carter’s NFL Draft Stocks Take a Turn as Pat McAfee Confirms Fate After Latest Injury Update appeared first on EssentiallySports.