STATE COLLEGE (TNS) While several of his 2024 teammates went through testing and drills in front of all 32 NFL clubs at Penn State’s Pro Day on Friday inside Holuba Hall, Abdul Carter did not participate before meeting with the assembled media.

The Nittany Lions’ elite edge rusher still is working through some rehab on a shoulder injury suffered in PSU’s Fiesta Bowl win over Boise State.

Carter did have dinner with Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam and members of the Browns’ front office on Thursday in State College.

Carter, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last season and a first-team All-American, it was in his best interests to hold off on working out. Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN on Thursday he may still work out for teams in mid-April ahead of the draft.

‘Yeah, just me talking to my (managment) team, making sure I’m making the best possible decision for me,’ said Carter, who finished last season with 23.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, nine quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.

‘Still recovering from my shoulder (injury), pretty much 100 percent now.’

Carter said his decision not

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Abdul Carter hugs his mom, Tina as his dad Christopher looks on at the Penn State Pro Day in Holuba Hall on Friday.

TNS Photo to work out in front of NFL teams had been discussed for some time.

“Definitely not the day of, this is something we’ve been talking about for the last couple weeks,” Carter said.

Penn State’s other firstteam All-American, tight end Tyler Warren, also opted against working out on Friday.

Both Carter and Warren are expected to go in the first round of the draft in late April, and Carter could be a top five pick. Carter reaffirmed Friday his belief that he is the best player in the NFL draft.

“There’s a lot of reasons,” Carter said when asked why he should be picked No. 1 overall. “I think it’s my overall impact on the game, my versatility, I can play multiple positions.

“Probably most important, I step up when I’m needed the most. When crunch time comes around, when you need somebody to make that big play, I feel like I’m the guy who will make that big play.”