Although Abdul Carter‘s foot injury created some early-offseason concern, the Penn State prospect has not run into any real hurdles toward becoming a surefire top-four pick. The edge defender did not see any emerge during a Combine medical recheck, either, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes Carter’s foot is improving and no surgery will be needed. The stress reaction Carter suffered kept him out of drills at the Nittany Lions’ pro day, but the potential Browns target has still built up enough capital pre-draft to turn down visit requests for teams holding picks outside the top four. He has met with the Browns and Titans and will stop his visits after the Giants (No. 3) and Patriots (No. 4).
Here is the latest from the draft:
- One of the top non-Carter edge players in this prospect crop, James Pearce Jr. is continuing his visit schedule. The Tennessee product conducted recent visits with the Bengals, Colts, Cowboys and Falcons, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Pearce has already met with the Cardinals, and a report of Saints interest emerged. The Colts came up as a team interested in D-line augmentation, while the Falcons are prioritizing defense in this draft after their Michael Penix Jr. pick last year. The Bengals are still in an uncertain place with Trey Hendrickson, and Sam Hubbard retired.
- Skill players have come up regarding the Broncos‘ first-round draft slot (No. 20), as the team added Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw on defense — after re-signing D.J. Jones. But strengthening a strength should not be ruled out here, per ESPN.com’s Jordan Reid. Viewing this running back class as deep enough the RB-seeking team can wait until after Round 1 to make that play, Reid mentions safety Nick Emmanwori as a wild-card option to watch. The No. 15 prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board, Emmanwori is a South Carolina product who could shift into the box in sub packages. The Broncos have Hufanga, Brandon Jones and P.J. Locke at safety; they are thinner at linebacker, with both Greenlaw and 31-year-old Alex Singleton coming off injuries.
- Denver hosted Mizzou receiver Luther Burden, and it is possible the SEC pass catcher will be available on Day 2. Burden is likely to fall out of the first round, per ESPN.com’s Matt Miller, but the longtime draft expert views him as a first-round talent. A former top recruit, Burden fared much better as a sophomore in 2023 (1,212 yards, nine touchdown receptions) than 2024 (676/6), contributing to his potential second-round status. While Jeremiah labels Burden a slot player, Miller classifies the 5-foot-11 talent as someone who could make an impact outside.
- Another player who may end up sliding a bit, Jihaad Campbell has seen a post-Combine shoulder surgery change his draft trajectory. Teams are gathering intel on the Alabama linebacker, per ESPN.com’s Field Yates, who indicates it would not surprise to see a top-20 talent in this draft fall toward the end of Round 1 or into the second round.
- Mentioned as a team high on Ashton Jeanty, the Bears have more pressing needs than running back. Specifically, the team views defensive tackle as a bigger need than defensive end, Miller adds. This does not surprise, considering the team’s Dayo Odeyingbo deal. Despite the ex-Colt’s ability to rush from inside and the ensuing Grady Jarrett pickup, the Bears appear to have a clear interest in upgrading here. Miller ESPN colleague Courtney Cronin ponders a potential long-term play at left tackle, as Braxton Jones is in a contract year, in the first round as well.
- Still in place as a top cornerback prospect despite missing last season with an ACL tear, Shavon Revel continues to meet with teams interested in his rebound effort. The Bills, Colts and Vikings met with the East Carolina CB this week, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero tweets. Buffalo is in need of a corner to replace Rasul Douglas, who remains in free agency, while Indianapolis may still be interested in adding despite giving Charvarius Ward $18MM per year. Minnesota added Isaiah Rodgers to go with Byron Murphy but could certainly benefit from a higher-level investment.
Burden might be a mostly slot option after playing mostly out of the slot in college, but he was also playing in a wacky offense with a dicey quarterback situation, so they were funneling the ball to him sometimes. If he falls out of the first round, I’d be leaping to get him. I think he has a lower floor than guys like Egbuka, but he has serious juice and real star potential.
I don’t think that I’d call Brady Cook dicey. His stats were not the best, but watching him in game, he is a much better quarterback than most of the non-stars in this draft. I really do say that with confidence. The offense lacked talent at times, and Cook can be affected by complex defenses that change the picture after the snap (dropping non droppers back, for instance). His footwork is up and down, and he’s a rhythm passer at its finest.
However, he has great arm strength, precision, and good zip and is fearless in the pocket. He can hit different receivers and a great leader, and is actually pretty athletic. I while he, like Burden, faired better as sophomores, I think that Cook is a bright spot later in the draft for a team that knows how to handle a mature quarterback who needs some conditioning with his instincts. Missouri’s Battle of the Columbias last year was a thriller, due to Cook, Burden, and Weiss staging a fearless fight in a back and forth. Injuries have affected Cook’s availability, which is both an excuse and a future concern.
That said, I do agree with you about Burden’s talents. At one point, he was considered among the best receivers in the country, and rightfully so. I see him mostly in the slot, with a few plays outside or using trickery (wheels or scissors or such things) to get outside, too. Payton is a coach who has excelled with these types of concepts in the past, even though his Broncos are pretty loaded at receiver right now. No real stars (one could argue Sutton, I suppose), but there are more players who have earned snaps than those who haven’t. Franklin or Mims would likely be the two who lose snaps to Burden. Mims’ speed and ability as a runner figures to put him above Franklin, who had a few drops or other mistakes, so Burden would probably push the latter out of the offense regularly.
If McCarthy is, at the least, competent, we will have a solid team. Please God bless Minnesota with ONE successful QB draft in the last 40 years.
Hard to want Burden after the incident this past season. That showed serious immaturity.
If he can be managed correctly though, of course he could be a star as a gadget/slot guy.