2 min read • April 22, 2025
Posted in
Carter was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right foot during the NFL Scouting Combine, initially raising concerns about surgery and its impact on his draft stock. However, after further evaluations, he and his agent opted against surgery, as the injury is healing well and is expected to be a “non-factor” for teams. Though the injury isn’t severe enough to significantly affect his draft position, it does require ongoing rehab and careful monitoring to avoid a setback. Teams are cautious about his early usage, but the situation isn't seen as comparable to more serious cases like Tyree Wilson's. Despite the injury, Carter’s long-term outlook remains strong, and he continues to project as a top defensive prospect thanks to his elite athleticism, football IQ, and versatility. Confident in his abilities, Carter maintains, "I feel like I'm the best player in the country, and the best player should be selected No. 1.”
NFL Draft prospect Deone Walker, a standout defensive lineman from Kentucky, was found to have a stress fracture in his back—likely a spondylolysis fracture—during Combine medical evaluations, raising concerns about his long-term durability. Though he played through the injury during the 2024 season, his production dipped compared to the previous year, possibly due to the condition’s impact. Spondylolysis rarely fully heals and poses a high risk of recurrence, especially for linemen who rely on leverage and endure constant physical stress. Despite plans to participate in training camp and rookie minicamp, Walker’s injury is a red flag for teams, potentially affecting his draft position, which had him projected as a Day 2 pick.
Johnson’s injury history includes knee surgery in spring 2023, which sidelined him for the first three games of Michigan’s title-winning season, followed by a shoulder injury in 2024 and a turf toe injury that ended his year in October. Despite earning All-American and All-Big Ten honors, his durability has become a concern for NFL teams as he enters the draft. While his coverage skills and instincts are NFL-ready, scouts will closely evaluate the cumulative impact of his knee, shoulder, and toe issues. Though none of the injuries appear severe in isolation, they could influence his draft stock.
A highly regarded cornerback prospect, remains a projected first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft despite suffering an ACL tear on September 24. Known for his elite athleticism and ball skills, Revel is viewed as a high-upside talent with long-term starter potential. However, he’s unlikely to be fully recovered by training camp, and his rookie season may be limited as he balances rehab with the NFL’s steep learning curve. While his early contributions could be minimal, teams remain optimistic about his long-term value as a future cornerstone in the secondary.
Simmons remains a top offensive line prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft despite suffering a left patellar tendon rupture in October. While recovery from this type of injury is typically more challenging than an ACL tear, Simmons has reported being "way ahead of schedule," and his right, power leg remains unaffected in his stance. Medical evaluations at the NFL Combine have been “very positive,” and despite cautious optimism from medical experts, teams still view Simmons as a valuable prospect with a strong chance to be ready for training camp.
Sign up to our FREE Weekly Newsletter here for all of our best injury-insights, free injury-based picks and special offers!
SIC PICKS ARE BASED ON INSIDER INJURY KNOWLEDGE FROM FORMER PRO SPORTS TEAM DOCTORS TO GIVE YOU A WINNING EDGE IN SPORTS BETTING!
SIC PICKS are powered by the proven SIC Score algorithms from our exclusive panel of former Pro Sports Team doctors to give you a sports betting edge. Each day our team of doctors analyze the players and teams and share their expert insights to help you make informed bets on the biggest unknown to sportsbooks and sports bettors - player health and injuries!
For our Best Bets including spreads, totals, props and live in game with instant alerts as game day opportunities arise with research notes, sign up to SIC Picks here for less than $2 a day on an annual plan.
Sign up to SIC Picks today to get our picks sent direct to your cell!
Written by
