Newsletter: Is Abdul Carter the Safe Selection Some Believe?

The Browns need Carter to be an easy choice but this isn't trending well.

(Photo Courtesy of Penn State Athletics)

It feels as though we’re in the middle of a battle for the correct non-quarterback at the second overall pick. At least that has been the vibe for a few weeks now considering the quotes we heard from Owner’s Meetings where all three important organizational figures laid groundwork for patience at the position. Mix that quarterback patience rhetoric with some other Pro Day visits and prospect rankings, and it feels like the Browns are further away from selecting Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart at two than we were in early-March.

Now, all of this could shift in the coming week with Colorado’s Pro Day slated for Friday and plenty of important testing and throwing needing to happen. However, if we are to move off the quarterback at two then you have a dilemma on who is worth that selection. They cannot miss.

It boils down to Adbul Carter or Travis Hunter. Those are the two “Blue Chip” names worth the pick and sorting through the granular details are what matters most on the decision.

I preface this noting I think Carter is going to be a very good defensive end, and general defensive player, at the NFL level. He can rush the passer at elite level and brings a mixture of technique and tenacity that is likely to translate well.

He also has a history of off-ball linebacker where he has shown he can process and fit the run and drop into coverage quite adequately as well.

The concern over Carter’s tape are limited. You can pick apart his ability to set an edge on outside run game or his discipline against run/pass conflict but that is just looking for a problem. The problems for Carter have come with the process this offseason to build into making him the ideal “slam dunk” the Browns need him to be in order to sacrifice the badly needed offense upgrades.

Carter’s Growing Concerns