Abdul Carter: ‘Best Player’ Should Go No. 1 in NFL Draft; ‘No QB’ Is in the Discussion
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the football world buzzes with excitement over the anticipated top picks. For many years, the consensus has been that the number-one overall pick will go to a quarterback, the most important and scrutinized position in all of sports. However, a shift is happening this year—there’s a new name entering the conversation for the top selection, and it’s not a quarterback. Abdul Carter, the standout linebacker from Penn State, has firmly positioned himself as the best player in the draft, regardless of position. This year, it may be time to redefine the very idea of what a No. 1 pick should look like.
Carter’s case for being the top selection is compelling, based on his exceptional talent, versatility, and the impact he’s made on the field. While quarterbacks traditionally dominate early draft talks, Abdul Carter’s all-around skillset has made him a favorite among scouts, coaches, and analysts. His ability to disrupt offenses, control the middle of the field, and change the course of games is why some believe he should be taken No. 1 overall.
Carter’s rise to prominence started early in his career at Penn State. As a freshman, he showcased an immediate ability to contribute at a high level, making impactful plays that hinted at his potential. But it wasn’t until his sophomore season that he truly began to blossom into the elite prospect he is today. Carter’s size—standing at 6’3″ and weighing in at 250 pounds—combined with his athleticism, made him an impossible mismatch for offenses. His speed, quickness, and ability to read the game allowed him to dominate on both the pass rush and in coverage.
In 2024, his performance hit its peak. He was an absolute terror for opposing offenses, racking up double-digit sacks and making plays all over the field. Carter’s ability to pressure the quarterback, stop the run, and even drop into coverage to make interceptions made him a rare talent in today’s linebacker position. NFL teams are always looking for defensive players who can impact the game in multiple ways, and Carter’s skill set checks every box.
What sets Carter apart from other players in the draft isn’t just his raw talent. He’s also a student of the game. His football IQ is off the charts. He doesn’t just rely on his physical attributes—he uses his understanding of offenses to get in the right position at the right time. His instincts on the field are next-level, and that’s what has coaches and scouts so enamored. In many ways, Carter plays the linebacker position like a quarterback on defense. He’s always a step ahead, reading plays before they happen and putting himself in the perfect position to make an impact.
The defensive-minded NFL teams are always on the lookout for players who can change the dynamics of the game, and that’s exactly what Carter has done throughout his collegiate career. He brings an energy to the field that is contagious, and he’s the type of player who can elevate the entire defense. Some have compared him to legendary linebackers like Ray Lewis and Lawrence Taylor, players who were capable of taking over a game and shifting the momentum with a single play. Carter, with his combination of strength, speed, and football IQ, has that same potential.
Now, let’s turn to the NFL Draft itself. Typically, when the No. 1 overall pick is up for grabs, the spotlight shifts to the quarterbacks. The quarterback position has long been viewed as the cornerstone of any NFL franchise. That’s why teams in need of a signal-caller are usually the ones vying for that top pick. This year, however, that conversation is different. The 2025 class of quarterbacks is deep, but it doesn’t feature that one “generational” prospect that demands the top selection. There’s no Trevor Lawrence, Andrew Luck, or Peyton Manning to clear the way for a quarterback at the top spot.
That opens the door for other positions to make a case. And Abdul Carter, as the best player in the draft, is now squarely in the conversation for the No. 1 pick. Teams that need an immediate impact player on defense might find it hard to pass up someone like Carter, who can step into the starting lineup right away and make an immediate difference. He’s a game-changer, someone who can transform a defense from average to elite in a short amount of time. His versatility and the ability to make plays in all facets of the game make him the best non-quarterback prospect in the draft.
While the talk surrounding quarterbacks is loud, there are several NFL teams this year with immediate needs on defense. And for those franchises, picking a defensive player like Carter makes more sense than selecting a quarterback who might not be ready to contribute right away. This year, there’s no quarterback that stands out as the clear-cut No. 1 pick. That’s why Carter’s rise has been so fascinating—he’s a player who could potentially break the mold and change the way we think about the top pick in the NFL Draft.
But beyond his immediate impact, there’s something special about what Carter could bring to a franchise in the long term. The linebacker position has evolved in the NFL, with teams looking for players who can do it all—stop the run, cover tight ends and running backs, rush the passer, and lead the defense. Abdul Carter can do all of that and more. He is the definition of a complete player, and his rare combination of size, speed, and football intelligence makes him an ideal fit for any defensive scheme.
For a team looking to build a dominant defense, Carter represents the future. He has the tools to become the leader of a defense for years to come. He’s not just a one-dimensional player who excels in one area of the game—he’s a player who can fill any role asked of him and thrive. In many ways, he is the modern prototype of what an NFL linebacker should be. And with teams increasingly placing a premium on versatile, dynamic players, Carter’s value only continues to rise.
The argument against selecting Carter at No. 1 would be that quarterbacks are still seen as the most important piece to any championship contender. But in a draft where no quarterback stands out as a generational talent, it’s fair to question whether it’s worth taking a quarterback who might not make an immediate impact. Teams in need of a quarterback may want to trade down to a lower spot in the draft to select their quarterback of the future, but the value of taking a linebacker like Carter—who could immediately transform a defense—is undeniable.
Ultimately, Abdul Carter’s argument for the No. 1 pick boils down to his talent, his versatility, and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. While quarterbacks have long been the focal point of the NFL Draft, it may be time to rethink the conventional wisdom surrounding the top pick. Carter’s rare skill set makes him a deserving candidate for the top spot, and in a draft without a clear-cut No. 1 quarterback, he has a real shot at being the player to go first overall.
Carter’s emergence as a legitimate No. 1 pick is a testament to the evolving nature of the NFL. Teams are beginning to realize that while the quarterback position is important, it’s not the only position that can turn a franchise around. Players like Abdul Carter are redefining what it means to be the top pick in the draft, and with his combination of athleticism, intelligence, and leadership, he should be seriously considered as the best player in this year’s draft class.
In the end, whether or not Abdul Carter goes No. 1 in the 2025 NFL Draft remains to be seen. But what’s undeniable is his talent and his potential to become one of the most dominant players in the league. He may not be a quarterback, but in terms of being the best player in this draft class, it’s hard to argue that anyone else deserves the No. 1 pick more than Abdul Carter. This year, it might just be time to break the mold and choose the best player, regardless of position.
