The Jacksonville Jaguars will have many options with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. One that isn't discussed often is Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter due to the presence of Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. That said, their rotation could use a boost, but any chances they had of potentially landing the former Nittany Lion have probably gone up in smoke after the latest medical update.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Carter won't be needing foot surgery after it was recently speculated that there was a chance he would need to get a procedure done in the upcoming months. On top of that, the Philadelphia native will work out at Penn State's pro day on March 28.
"I couldn't be more confident that this will be a non-factor where he's drafted," Carter's agent said via Schefter. "He will put on a show at his pro day."
Doctors told Penn St. DE and projected No. 1 pick Abdul Carter that, after further scans on his right foot, surgery is not advisable. Carter will work out at his March 28 pro day at Penn State.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2025
“I couldn’t be more confident that this will be a non-factor where he’s drafted,”… pic.twitter.com/pHTkIzDcWM
Just recently, a test at this year's combine revealed that Carter has a stress reaction on the right foot that might've needed surgery.
Tests at the NFL Combine revealed that potential No. 1 pick and PSU star Abdul Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot and he may have surgery.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2025
Option 1 would be to have the pre-emptive surgery, have a screw inserted in his foot, and be back in 8 weeks, agent Drew… pic.twitter.com/ymheGNelts
Based on the latest update, that option is likely off the table.
During the combine, Carter stated that he's the best player in this incoming draft. Given the dearth of top quarterback and left tackle talent, he might have a case. But leaving aside what he believes, he's been projected to go in the top 5 selection.
The Cleveland Browns would be a legitimate landing spot at No. 2 if they trade Myles Garrett. The Tennessee Titans could also choose Carter with the top selection if they aren't thrilled about either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders and trade pass rusher Harold Landry III.
But even if the Browns or Garrett pass on Carter, the New England Patriots (No. 3 overall ) or the New York Giants (No. 4 pick could take a flyer on him. For this reason, a slide to No. 5 seems highly unlikely.
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Why Abdul Carter going early in the draft bodes well for the Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars would surely love to have a pass rusher of Abdul Carter's caliber to round out their rotation behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. It's not hyperbole to say that the group would go from good to outright dominant. However, there are many favorable paths the Jags have at No. 5 even if the Penn State product goes in in the top 4.
For starters, if another team chooses Carter and both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders go in the top 4, most of the Jaguars' top targets would be available. Heading into the draft, they've been linked to defensive tackle Maason Graham, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, two-way star Travis Hunter, and cornerback Will Johnson. Only one of them will be off the board at No. 5 if Sanders, Ward, and Carter are picked in the top 4.
This is to say that the Jaguars will have their fair share of prospects to choose from, so maybe the latest Abdul Carter update is good news (at least for them) after all.