Abdul Carter's Foot Injury 'Should Be a Non-Factor,' Won't Require Surgery, Agent Says

Abdul Carter's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said Thursday that the Penn State edge-rusher's medical recheck, in regards to the stress fracture in his foot, showed continued improvement and that surgery won't be required, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"It should be a non-factor with the teams at this point," Rosenhaus added.

Teams will make that determination for themselves, of course, but there's been little indication to this point that Carter's injury will impact his draft stock in any significant way.

The B/R NFL Scouting Department has Carter ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect on its latest big board and projected him to be selected No. 2 overall to the Cleveland Browns on its latest mock draft.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. also had Carter No. 2 on his latest big board, but had him going No. 3 overall to the New York Giants in his most recent mock.

Finally, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah has Carter as his top overall prospect and projected him to the Browns at No. 2 in his March mock draft.

Carter's final draft slot will likely depend on three factors. One, does a team like the Browns or Giants decide to go with a quarterback? Two, will those teams prefer a two-way dynamo like Travis Hunter or a dynamic edge-rusher like Carter? And three, will his recent injury give teams picking in the top five any pause?

His floor is probably No. 4 to the New England Patriots, though time will tell.

"Explosive athlete," Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith told ESPN's Mike Reiss regarding Carter. "Still new to that position, but explosive around the edge, brings that pass-rush ability; has an aggressive style of play. I'm looking forward to talking football with him... and seeing where his mental is at."

As for his physical, Rosenhaus believes that is just fine.