Abdul Carter Hypes Himself as Top NFL Draft Pick amid Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward Buzz

As the 2025 NFL draft draws nearer, many expect the Tennessee Titans to use the No. 1 overall pick on a quarterback like Colorado's Shedeur Sanders or Miami's Cam Ward. However, another talent prospect made it clear that he believes he should be the top pick.

Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter took to social media to declare that he views himself as the rightful No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft class:

The 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Carter is ranked as the No. 10 overall player and No. 1 edge rusher in the B/R NFL Scouting Department's latest 2025 draft big board. He's projected to land with the New York Jets at the No. 7 pick in the most recent mock draft.

Despite making the switch from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher this season, he still excelled for the Nittany Lions and finished with career highs of 68 total tackles and 12.0 sacks while also adding four passes defended and two forced fumbles. B/R NFL scout Matt Holder described him as "an elite athlete, which gives him a high ceiling as a pass-rusher at the next level."

"His get-off is very impressive as he explodes off the line of scrimmage and can win with speed around the edge when times up the snap," Holder added. "Also, he's shown a decent dip-rip move and the potential to develop a stick move as an inside counter with his movement skills."

Carter has over four months to try to convince the Titans that he's worthy of the No. 1 pick when the 2025 draft commences on April 24. However, it would be a massive surprise if Tennessee passed up the opportunity to select a franchise quarterback, given the team's uncertainty at the position.

The last time the Titans drafted in the top five, they used the No. 5 pick to select wide receiver Corey Davis, who lasted just four years with the team before leaving as a free agent. Tennessee will be hoping to get it right this time around and add a cornerstone to build around for years to come, and Carter will have to work hard to prove to the team that he's the right choice.