A recent mock draft has the Cleveland Browns taking an All-American who led the nation in tackles for loss with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The annual league meetings provided a bombshell moment when Browns owner Jimmy Haslam candidly admitted that the Deshaun Watson trade was a “swing and a miss.” This revelation underscores Cleveland’s desperate need for a franchise quarterback.
Yet, the mock draft from Pro Football and Sports Network suggests the Browns may prioritize elite defensive talent over addressing their glaring issues under center.
Why Abdul Carter Makes Sense for Cleveland
In Reese Decker’s most recent three-round mock draft for PFSN, Decker has the Browns nabbing a bookend buddy for Myles Garrett in Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter at No. 2.
Decker noted, “Carter is a blue-chip talent with elite pass-rushing ability and positional versatility. The 6’3″, 251-pound edge rusher made the switch from inside linebacker to full-time edge defender for Penn State in 2024 and thrived. He’s an explosive disruptor with elite get-off speed, and when he keeps his pad level low, he’s nearly unblockable.”
Coming out of high school, Carter was rated a four-star prospect and the No. 10 player in Pennsylvania by 247Sports.
His freshman season at Penn State in 2022, he earned All-Big Ten second-team honors, was on multiple True Freshman All-American teams, and was a Freshman of the Year Award finalist.
Carter’s sophomore season in 2023 saw him earn first-team All-Big Ten honors, named second-team All-American by Sports Illustrated, and garner a PFF All-American honorable mention.
At Penn State in 2024, Carter delivered an electrifying season, recording 12 sacks and 61 pressures while leading the nation with 23.5 total tackles for loss. He became Penn State’s 15th unanimous consensus All-American and first since Saquon Barkley in 2017. Carter was selected as the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year, in addition to first-team All-Big Ten and first-team All-American.
Carter has the second-highest prospect grade behind Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, coming in at 7.00. That rating translates to a “Pro Bowl talent” at the NFL level.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said, “Carter can take over and completely wreck an offensive game plan. He demands attention on every snap.”
Draft analysts rave about Carter’s ability to complement Myles Garrett on Cleveland’s defensive front. “Lining him up opposite Garrett gives the Browns a dynamic boost and a true defensive identity,” Decker added. “This dynamic duo could transform Cleveland’s defense into one of the league’s most formidable units. If Myles Garrett is Superman, would that make Abdul Carter Cleveland’s Batman?”
Turning Points in Cleveland’s Draft Strategy
Cleveland’s decision to potentially pass on a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders has been a contentious talking point for months. ESPN’s Tony Rizzo criticized the Browns’ reported strategy, arguing that securing a quarterback is essential for rebuilding the franchise. “You could have the best receiver of all time. If you have nobody to throw the football, what good is it? You need a quarterback,” Rizzo said.
However, Carter’s generational talent is hard to ignore. The Penn State standout has drawn comparisons to fellow alum Micah Parsons and Von Miller.
Carter’s been a quote machine whose confidence has shined with every speaking opportunity. During Penn State’s Pro Day, Carter boasted, “Defensive players can take over games just like quarterbacks do.” He also made his case for why he should be the No. 1 pick overall, stating, “When crunch time comes around and you need somebody to make that big play, I feel like I’m that guy.”
What This Means for Cleveland and Abdul Carter
For the Browns, selecting Carter reinforces the trenches and could pay dividends if their defense becomes dominant enough to mask offensive shortcomings. Pairing Carter with Garrett would force opposing offenses to account for two preeminent pass rushers on every snap, freeing up other defenders to make plays. As the saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats.”
After years of inconsistent results following their high-profile acquisition of Watson, Carter’s arrival would also mark a new chapter for the Browns. While quarterback remains a critical need—especially with Watson rehabbing an Achilles injury—the Browns appear willing to prioritize long-term defensive stability over immediate offensive fixes.
What Cleveland’s Selection of Carter Would Mean for NFL Draft Landscape
Carter’s selection at No. 2 could set off ripple effects throughout the draft. With Tennessee expected to take Miami quarterback Cam Ward first overall, would teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints trade up to leapfrog the Las Vegas Raiders for Sanders?
Cleveland faces one of its most pivotal draft decisions in recent memory. Will the Browns gamble on Carter’s game-changing potential or pivot toward addressing their quarterback woes? Either way, their choice will shape both their franchise trajectory and the broader dynamics of this year’s draft.
Abdul Carter is ready to make his mark in the NFL — and Cleveland may be where his journey begins.