- Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter is surging up 2025 NFL Draft betting odds
- Carter’s odds shortened from +1000 to +180 to go 1st overall after Myles Garrett trade request
- Is Carter worth a bet with the top pick? Read our full analysis below
The 2025 NFL Draft is still months away, but the betting markets are already shifting rapidly at the top. Penn State EDGE rusher Abdul Carter has seen his odds to go 1st overall shorten considerably after a massive shakeup in Cleveland.
Myles Garrett, the Browns’ All-Pro pass rusher, officially requested a trade on Monday. This immediately propelled Carter up draft boards, going from +1000 to +180 to be selected with the top pick at BetMGM.
Let’s dive into the latest NFL Draft odds and analyze whether Carter is worth betting on to be the first name called by Roger Goodell in April.
2025 NFL Draft 1st Pick Odds
Odds via BetMGM as of Feb 4, 2025.
Miami signal caller Cam Ward remains the slight favorite at +105, but Carter has undoubtedly made this a two-horse race. Travis Hunter (+250) and Shedeur Sanders (+850) are the only other prospects with odds shorter than 50-1.
The Titans currently hold the 1st overall selection after finishing 3-14 last season. Most assumed they would target a quarterback, but Garrett’s trade request has shaken things up considerably.
Carter’s Odds Shorten After Garrett Demands Trade
The Browns were already rumored to be interested in Carter with the 2nd overall pick. But after Garrett made his trade demand official, oddsmakers quickly adjusted Carter’s draft position prop.
The Browns are in a disastrous spot heading into 2025. Not only is their best player forcing his way out of town, but they remain saddled with Deshaun Watson’s albatross of a contract.
Watson was arguably the league’s worst starting QB in 2024 before suffering a torn Achilles late in the season. He’s expected to miss most of 2025 (if not the entire year) while counting over $72 million against the salary cap.
With such a tough cap situation, the Browns could be looking to completely rebuild their roster. If they trade Garrett for a haul of draft picks, Carter would be the logical selection to replace him.
The PSU EDGE is coming off a spectacular junior season in which he recorded 68 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and earned unanimous All-America honors. The 6’3″, 252-pounder is an elite athlete who consistently wreaked havoc in opponents’ backfields.
Is Betting on Carter to Go 1st Overall a Wise Wager?
Despite his rise up draft boards, I’m hesitant to endorse Carter as the favorite. While he would fill a major need for Cleveland, the Browns aren’t actually on the clock at #1.
That honor belongs to Tennessee, who seem more likely to target a franchise QB instead. Even if the Titans fall in love with Carter, trading down would be the smarter play to recoup extra picks.
Based on BetMGM’s betting splits, Carter is receiving less than 25% of the handle (money) to be drafted 1st overall. The public still seems to believe a QB will be the pick, with Ward garnering over 38% of the handle.
I tend to side with the majority here. As pivotal as premier pass rushers are in today’s NFL, it’s still a quarterback-driven league. If the Titans aren’t sold on Ward, they could still target Shedeur Sanders (over 13% handle) or even trade down for a huge haul.
At +180 odds, I don’t see much value betting on Carter to go 1st overall. He’s undoubtedly one of the most talented prospects in this class, but QB is still king when it comes to the NFL Draft. Not to mention, the Myles Garrett next team odds favor the all-pro returning to Cleveland.
Ward remains my top choice, even at the slightly reduced +105 price. He has prototypical size, a rocket arm, and is coming off a scintillating final season at Miami. Unless the Titans are absolutely smitten with Carter, I expect they’ll take the more conventional route.
Abdul Carter, a standout college football player, has been making waves in the sports world with his exceptional performance on the field. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, many experts and analysts are predicting that Carter has a strong chance of being selected as the #1 overall pick.
Carter, a dynamic quarterback from the University of Alabama, has been turning heads with his impressive skills and leadership abilities. He has shown great poise under pressure, a strong arm, and exceptional decision-making on the field. His ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate throws has set him apart from other players in his position.
In addition to his physical talents, Carter has also demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. He is known for his commitment to improving his game and constantly pushing himself to be the best player he can be. This level of dedication has not gone unnoticed by NFL scouts and coaches, who see Carter as a player with immense potential and a bright future in the league.
One of the key factors contributing to Carter’s rise as a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft is his performance in big games. He has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, leading his team to victory in crucial matchups and showcasing his ability to perform at a high level when it matters most. This ability to rise to the occasion and deliver in clutch moments is a trait that is highly valued in the NFL, making Carter an attractive prospect for teams looking for a franchise quarterback.
Another factor working in Carter’s favor is his versatility as a player. In addition to his skills as a passer, he is also a threat as a runner, with the speed and agility to make plays with his legs when needed. This dual-threat ability makes him a valuable asset for teams looking to add an element of unpredictability to their offense and keep defenses on their toes.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Abdul Carter as he looks to solidify his status as the top overall pick. With his impressive skill set, leadership qualities, and track record of success on the field, Carter is poised to make a significant impact in the NFL and have a successful career at the highest level of the sport.
