INDIANAPOLIS – After they marched three steps up to a platform and got in front of a microphone at the NFL Scouting Combine Wednesday, at least three pass rushers pronounced themselves the best in class at chasing quarterbacks.
Most will believe the prophesy of Abdul Carter, who could go No. 1 to the Titans or be their target after a trade down. Mike Green and Princely Umanmielen made the same proclamation.
Carter is getting as much buzz as anyone as the potential top pick, and he wants to do his part to make that happen.
“It's very important to me,” he said. “That's one of the goals I made before the season. It's something that I
always talk about, it's what I work for, and I feel like I'm getting close to that. I just have to keep working, keep putting effort in, and I'll accomplish my dream.”
“I feel like it's very realistic. I'm the best player in the country and the best player should be selected No. 1. I’m impressed with the [Titans’] coaches. I think they’re impressed with me. They have the number one pick. I want to be the number one pick.”
Mike Green: “I’m the best edge rusher here.” #Titans pic.twitter.com/Uew3E2kWFU
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) February 26, 2025
Before Carter spoke, Adam Schefter reported that the Titans gave Harold Landry permission to seek a trade.
The Titans' top pass rusher is due a base salary of $17.5 million in 2025, none of it guaranteed. Heading into his eighth season, he does not seem to have recovered his burst since tearing his ACL before the 2022 season.
Someone could make an offer, but it seems more likely this is a precursor to Landry taking less money to stay and play a lesser role in the rotation where the Titans are thin, or for him to be cut and surface elsewhere for what the market will bear.
Abdul Carter rates his game. #Titans. pic.twitter.com/8IbMHjjQxk
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) February 26, 2025
It’s easy to see the Landry news and conclude Carter and edge become an even bigger priority. And I think Carter should be the pick (ideally after a small trade-down.) But remember that right tackle was already in shambles without them granting permission for anyone to seek a trade.
“Abdul's a very good player,” Mike Borgonzi said. “I don't want to go into many evaluations of the players, but there's certainly some players at the top there that fit that description of generational talent.”
