Five former Penn State football players are set to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Among them, Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren stand out as potential top draft picks. Carter, a defensive end recovering from a shoulder injury, will skip on-field drills but will undergo medical tests and interviews. Meanwhile, tight end Warren aims to solidify his position as a Top 10 pick with a strong performance. The combine schedule includes workouts for various positions over several days, culminating in Pro Day at Penn State on March 28th.
The spotlight is on five former Nittany Lions who are preparing to showcase their talents at the NFL Combine. Defensive end Abdul Carter, tight end Tyler Warren, linebacker Kobe King, and safeties KJ Winston and Jaylen Reed are all expected to attend. Carter, despite being a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, will not participate in on-field drills due to a shoulder injury sustained during the College Football Playoff. Instead, he plans to perform all his workouts and testing at Penn State’s Pro Day in late March.
Abdul Carter's absence from the on-field drills does not diminish his prospects. He remains a highly sought-after player, with teams eager to assess his medical status and interview him. Carter's decision to prioritize recovery aligns with long-term career planning. Similarly, KJ Winston, who suffered a knee injury last summer, may also opt to showcase his skills at Pro Day. His limited participation in games last season adds an element of uncertainty, but his potential remains high. In contrast, Tyler Warren aims to capitalize on this opportunity to prove himself as one of the top tight ends available in the draft. A strong performance could elevate him into the Top 10 draft picks, marking a significant milestone in his career.
The NFL Combine kicks off with a rigorous schedule designed to evaluate players' physical and mental capabilities. Defensive linemen and linebackers will start their on-field workouts on Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium, followed by defensive backs and tight ends on Friday. The weekend will feature quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs on Saturday, while offensive linemen take the stage on Sunday. This structured timeline allows scouts and team personnel to thoroughly assess each player's potential.
Beyond the combine, Penn State’s annual Pro Day on March 28th offers another critical platform for players like Abdul Carter and KJ Winston to demonstrate their readiness for the NFL. Held in Holuba Hall, Pro Day provides a familiar environment where players can perform under less pressure. For those who did not fully participate in the combine, this event serves as a crucial second chance. Additionally, fans and media can follow the NFL Combine live through the NFL Network and streaming services like Fubo, ensuring widespread coverage of these pivotal moments in the careers of these talented athletes.