NFL Draft Rumors: Top Patriots Target Faces Ill-Timed Injury

The New England Patriots have the chance to draft a game-changer with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter is an impact defensive pass-rusher that brings an incredibly disruptive impact to his team. The Patriots don’t have a player like that anymore and could be the elite talent for them to consider in the first round. Unfortunately for Carter, his stock could change due to new injury information.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported late Wednesday night that Carter has a “stress reaction” in his right foot that could require surgery.

“There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future,” Carter’s agent Drew Rosenhaus told reporters in Indianapolis, per Schefter.

Carter led a talented Penn State team to a pair of wins in the first 12-team College Football Playoff before a loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. Now, the edge rusher, who makes plenty of sense for the Patriots, has a decision to make two months before draft day.

Carter spoke at the NFL Scouting Combine this week prior to positional workouts. The Patriots have plenty of work to do this week in Indianapolis.