Shedeur Sanders might have just seen his chances of being taken first overall in this year’s NFL Draft class improve after news of Abdul Carter‘s injury has emerged.
The Penn State pass-rushing prospect is likely to undergo surgery that will see a screw be put into his right foot after tests at the Scouting Combine showed he has a stress fracture. Carter could miss the start of training camp with the injury, which is believed to be around a two-four month rehabilitation process.
Carter, Mirror US Sports’ number one overall player in this year’s class, has seen his draft stock rise exponentially over the past few days while now being considered as the second favorite to be taken with the first overall pick, behind quarterback Cam Ward.
The player’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said: “There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future.”
Multiple doctors on social media have advised Carter that he should get the surgery and not risk further complications, with the player having very little to prove by working out at the combine or at a Pro Day. Carter had 66 pressures and 12 sacks in his first year of playing as a pass-rusher, after moving from off-ball linebacker.
While it’s bad news for Carter, the injury could see Sanders‘ stock elevate when it comes to being the first player taken in the class. The Titans hold the first pick, with Cam Ward remaining the favorite to be selected. However, Carter’s odds have been slashed in recent weeks.
Abdul Carter had a sensational first season as a pass-rusher in 2024
With his injury, the Titans, or any team trading up may now be considering Sanders, who is one of just two quarterbacks likely to be taken within the first few picks alongside the aforementioned Ward.
Sanders has, interestingly, chosen not to throw at the combine this week while he will spend his time meeting with teams, in the hopes of impressing head coaches and general managers.
The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur put together two impressive years at Colorado, while playing behind a struggling offensive line that had issues with running the football.
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