Abdul Carter: 'I feel like I'm the best player in the country'

Penn State pass-rusher and highly touted prospect Abdul Carter believes he should be the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

"I feel like it's very realistic," Carter said about potentially going first overall, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. "I feel like I'm the best player in the country, and the best player should be picked first. It's the work I put in with my dad, who trained me, and all the sacrifices I made. I know I'm the best."

He backed his case by arguing that defensive players like him could take over games. The Penn State product recorded 12 sacks and 24 tackles for a loss in 2024.

"Defensive players impact the game just as much as the quarterback," Carter explained. "All the teams that have won Super Bowls, they have that one standout player. I feel like I'm that."

Carter won't participate in on-field drills at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine because of a shoulder injury.

Other candidates for the first overall pick include Colorado stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders plus Miami quarterback Cam Ward. The Tennessee Titans hold the first overall selection.