After the Cleveland Browns lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh last Sunday 27-14, the Cleveland Browns were officially eliminated from playoff contention with a 3-10 record. The Browns now have four games left in their season and can play the role of spoilers. Some fans think that it would better benefit the team to lose out their remaining four games to get a higher draft pick. I strongly disagree with that strategy. However, now we can take the time to look at the upcoming NFL Draft and the potential top prospects entering from college football.

One intriguing prospect is Penn State Nittany Lions Defensive End Abdul Carter. The 6’3” 253 lbs. outside linebacker is considered to be the 2025 NFL Draft’s top pass rusher. In 2024 Carter recorded 10 sacks at Penn State along with 60 tackles and 2 forced fumbles.  According to ESPN he is the top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is ahead of Boise State Running Back Ashton Jeanty, Michigan Defensive Tackle Mason Graham, Colorado Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and LSU Offensive Tackle Will Campbell. Keep in mind it is still early in the evaluation process. Carter is a junior and is expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Although he cannot play in the Senior Bowl, he will be at the NFL Scouting Combine in February and Penn State’s Pro Day. Much scouting has already been done on him already and early write ups are saying that he has speed and explosiveness on the edge. Could he be on the opposite side of Myles Garrett on the Cleveland Browns Defensive Line in 2025?

Depending on where the Cleveland Browns finish their 2024 season and where they draft in the first round, it is possible that the Browns will be picking in the top 10 of the first round next April. With the premium and hype on quarterbacks in every draft, could Abdul Carter fall to the Cleveland Browns? We will have to wait and see, but the idea is exciting for Browns fans.