The 2025 NFL Draft is still a month away, but we are already beginning to get a clear idea of how the top of it is likely to shake out.
In an appearance on ESPN’s “NFL Live” Wednesday, Adam Schefter reported that all signs point to defensive end Abdul Carter landing with the Cleveland Browns. The Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick, and Schefter suggests they are unlikely to let the Penn State star fall any further.
“Abdul Carter, right now, (is) the likely pick at No. 2 today,” Schefter said. “We reserve the right to change our mind. A lot of things change. But the way this is shaping up, to me, it looks like he’s tracking to be a Brown.”
"The way this is shaking out to me, it looks like he's tracking to be a [Cleveland] Brown," – @AdamSchefter on Abdul Carter going No. 2 overall. https://t.co/EktYjEc56L pic.twitter.com/4uNbDLJ3XX
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) March 26, 2025
Carter had been mentioned as a possible No. 1 overall pick, a goal he was very much targeting. However, the Tennessee Titans badly need a quarterback, and appear to be strongly leaning that way with the top selection. There were also some concerns about an injury to Carter, but they do not appear to be that serious.
The Browns also need a long-term quarterback, but appear less determined to sort that out through the NFL Draft. Carter represents an outstanding consolation prize if they do go in that direction. He is viewed as a generational talent who had had 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss for the Nittany Lions last season. Pairing him with Myles Garrett would put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Browns are coming off a 3-14 season and do not have a clear solution at quarterback right now. They do not exactly have a quick pathway back to contention, but picking a player like Carter could prove to be the right long-term play.
