Abdul Carter: ‘Best Player’ Should Go No. 1 in NFL Draft; ‘No QB’ Is in the Discussion

In the world of professional football, the NFL Draft is one of the most closely scrutinized events each year. Teams spend countless hours evaluating prospects, assessing their potential, and determining who can help elevate their roster to championship contention. Typically, when it comes to the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, quarterbacks (QBs) are the focal point of discussion. After all, the quarterback is often seen as the most important position in football, and the best quarterbacks have historically gone first overall in the draft. However, this year, Abdul Carter, a rising star linebacker who has drawn significant attention in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, has made an intriguing statement: the best player, not necessarily a quarterback, should go No. 1. His bold assertion has sparked conversations that challenge traditional views about how teams should approach their draft selections.

Abdul Carter, a standout linebacker from Penn State, has been one of the most dominant defensive players in college football over the last few seasons. Known for his exceptional athleticism, quickness, and football IQ, Carter is a player who has the tools to change the trajectory of an NFL defense. His rare combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability has caught the eye of scouts, and he has rapidly emerged as one of the top prospects in the draft. However, Carter’s statement that the best player, not a quarterback, should be taken with the No. 1 overall pick has raised eyebrows, challenging conventional wisdom about draft strategy.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Abdul Carter’s journey to the NFL Draft, why his assertion about the No. 1 pick is so significant, and what it means for the future of the NFL Draft process. We will also explore Carter’s case as the best player available and examine the broader implications of his comments in the context of modern NFL team-building.

Abdul Carter: A Rising Star in College Football

Abdul Carter’s journey to becoming a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft began at Penn State, where he quickly became one of the most feared linebackers in college football. Standing at 6’3” and weighing around 250 pounds, Carter has the physical profile of a prototypical NFL linebacker, but it is his skill set and football instincts that truly set him apart.

From his first season in Happy Valley, Carter showed flashes of brilliance. He demonstrated the ability to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and cover ground sideline to sideline with ease. His versatility on the field allowed him to be used in a variety of ways by Penn State’s defense, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Whether it was coming off the edge as a pass rusher, covering running backs and tight ends in the passing game, or diagnosing plays and making key tackles, Carter proved time and again that he was a complete player with an ability to impact all areas of the game.

Carter’s development was rapid, and by his final season at Penn State, he had solidified himself as one of the most disruptive and well-rounded defenders in the country. His ability to read offenses, anticipate plays, and make tackles in space made him one of the top-rated linebacker prospects in recent memory. His combination of speed, strength, and intelligence put him in a class of his own, making him a potential game-changer at the next level.

In 2024, his final season, Carter was recognized as one of the best players in college football, earning All-American honors and cementing his place as a top draft prospect. His accolades included leading the Big Ten in tackles for loss, ranking among the top in sacks, and showcasing a rare ability to affect games in a variety of ways. These impressive statistics have only enhanced his stock heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Traditional NFL Draft Approach: QBs Rule the No. 1 Spot

Historically, the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft has been a position that is reserved for quarterbacks. The reasoning behind this is straightforward: quarterbacks are the focal point of an offense, and a great quarterback can elevate a franchise for years to come. When teams are in need of a long-term solution at quarterback, they will often prioritize taking the best QB available, even if it means passing on other highly talented players at different positions.

The most recent examples of No. 1 overall picks being quarterbacks are a testament to this trend. In 2024, the Carolina Panthers selected quarterback Bryce Young from Alabama with the first pick, making him the face of their franchise. Similarly, in 2023, the Jacksonville Jaguars took quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and in 2021, the first overall pick was used on QB Trevor Lawrence’s former Clemson teammate, Justin Fields, who was selected by the Chicago Bears. These examples reflect the belief that a franchise quarterback can change the fortunes of an organization and provide long-term stability.

But while quarterbacks dominate the No. 1 overall conversation, the 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a year where non-quarterbacks, particularly elite defensive players like Abdul Carter, could make their case for the top spot.

Abdul Carter’s Bold Statement: “Best Player” Over “No QB”

In the run-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, Abdul Carter made a compelling argument for why the “best player” in the draft should go No. 1, regardless of whether that player is a quarterback. His statement challenges the conventional wisdom that teams must always select a QB with the first overall pick. Carter, in his interview with reporters, emphasized that the value of an elite defender like himself is too significant to ignore, even in a draft class that includes talented quarterbacks.

“I’m the best player in this draft,” Carter said. “I’ve shown on the field what I can do. I’m not just a one-dimensional player; I can impact every phase of the game. Teams are always looking for a difference-maker on defense, and I believe I can be that guy. Why should a quarterback always be the automatic choice at No. 1? The best player, regardless of position, should be the pick.”

Carter’s comments reflect a growing sentiment in the football world that may change how teams approach their draft selections. While quarterbacks will always be highly valued, there is a shift toward recognizing the immense impact a player like Carter can have on a game. In today’s NFL, where offenses are more complex than ever, having a linebacker who can shut down running backs, rush the quarterback, and cover tight ends is a game-changer. Carter’s versatility and ability to contribute in multiple areas make him an invaluable asset to any defense.

Furthermore, Carter’s confidence in his ability to impact the game at the highest level reflects a broader trend in how defensive players are valued in the modern NFL. Defensive players like Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, and Micah Parsons have proven that elite defenders can not only change the course of a game but also be the face of a franchise, much like a quarterback.

The Case for Abdul Carter as the No. 1 Pick

Abdul Carter’s case for being the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft goes beyond just his words. His on-field performance throughout his college career speaks for itself. Carter is a complete player who possesses all the traits that NFL teams look for in a linebacker. His ability to rush the passer, cover in space, and stop the run makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses.

1. Versatility: One of Carter’s biggest strengths is his ability to be used in multiple roles within a defense. Whether it’s rushing the quarterback off the edge or dropping back into coverage to take on tight ends or running backs, Carter can do it all. His versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses and gives his future NFL team the ability to use him in a variety of schemes and situations.
2. Football IQ: Carter has shown an ability to read offenses and diagnose plays quickly. This high football IQ allows him to anticipate where the ball is going and be in the right place at the right time. Whether it’s making a key interception, batting down a pass, or shutting down a running back in the backfield, Carter’s football IQ gives him a significant edge.
3. Athleticism: With a combination of size, speed, and strength, Carter is built to succeed in the NFL. His speed allows him to cover a large amount of ground quickly, and his strength gives him the ability to take on blockers and disengage in the run game. His agility and ability to change directions make him a nightmare in coverage as well.
4. Leadership: As one of the most vocal leaders on Penn State’s defense, Carter has proven that he can inspire his teammates and take control of a defense. His leadership will be an invaluable asset to any NFL team, where he will be expected to not only perform on the field but also help develop younger players around him.

The Shift in NFL Draft Philosophy

While quarterbacks will always remain a highly sought-after commodity, Abdul Carter’s rise to prominence highlights a shift in how NFL teams may view the draft process moving forward. As offenses continue to evolve and become more dynamic, there is an increasing recognition that elite defensive players can have just as much of an impact on a game as a franchise quarterback. Teams are beginning to recognize that a dominant linebacker like Carter can disrupt an offense, change field position, and be a game-changer in ways that make him just as valuable, if not more so, than a quarterback.