“I feel like No. 1’s very realistic. I feel like I’m the best player in the country, and the best should be selected No.1.” Abdul Carter’s brimming confidence might speak a lot about his grit and determination to step into NFL stardom and prove his worth. But for the Eagles Nation, it would be devastating news. Carter is a through-and-through Philadelphian. Having grown up in North Philadelphia, Carter has been a die-hard Eagles fan. However, his love for the Eagles doesn’t come before his draft stock. When it comes to hearing his name being called out first on draft night, Carter has no plans of sacrificing it even for the sake of his Eagles loyalty.

Carter has enjoyed the heck out of his last year as an Eagles fan. Just two years ago, he was in Phoenix to watch his beloved Eagles stumble in Super Bowl LVII against the Chiefs. So, with revenge in mind, Carter even took his dad this time to watch his precious Eagles in New Orleans. Familiar opponents, but the result was a dominating Eagles victory, as Carter felt fortunate to see his team win it all in his last year as a fan.

Sharing his experience in the Combine, Carter revealed, “It was dope. I really just got to enjoy my last year really being a fan. Being from Philly, born and raised, supporting the Eagles really my whole life. I got to take my dad to the Super Bowl. Just enjoyed being a fan one last year.” He also wanted to clear up one thing that his Eagles loyalty won’t come between the team that eventually picks up Carter. Even if it’s the Eagles’ fiercest rivals, the New York Giants. “Yeah, whatever team I’m on, whatever team I play, they get my best.”

What about those Eagles fans who don’t want him to leave his Philly roots behind? Is he willing to sacrifice his draft stock for their love? Well, unfortunately, not. Carter isn’t willing to sit in the green room watching everyone get picked ahead of him. “It would have to, unfortunately. But like I said. Just really enjoying my last year being a fan, and so to all the Eagles fan, I am sorry. But I’m not tanking my stock,” Carter had told CBS Sports.

See, even if Carter is ready to leave Philadelphia. He did say he won’t forget his Philly roots no matter where he ends up. “I feel like I’m shaped a lot with my Philly roots. It’s my toughness, my grit. I feel like that’s really the biggest thing I can take from Philly and it really made me into the man I am today,” Carter mused. Carter was a former La Salle College High School star in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania. Then, he refused offers from Ole Miss and South Carolina to commit to Penn State.

Now, as he eagerly waits for his new chapter, possibly beyond his hometown, the Eagles may have a surprise for him. So, what he doesn’t wanna get picked at No.32. What if the Eagles trade up not only to keep Carter in Philly but also to keep his draft stock intact?

Blockbuster draft day trade predicted between the Eagles and the Patriots

Like Carter grew up to be an avid fan of the Eagles. AJ Brown came of age worshipping Tom Brady’s Patriots. Just two days earlier, Brown was even captured jumping for joy after getting a signed Julian Edelman Patriots jersey. He even tried to prank the Eagles Nation by captioning his Instagram post with “The wait is finally over.” The question on everyone’s mind was Brown, who has worn No.11 his entire NFL career, just teased a possible move to the Patriots. Well, he may have even told Eagles fans, “Don’t take me serious.” But it could be more than a prank, at least that’s what Boston Sports Radio host Nick “Fitzy” Stevens feels.

He poured more gasoline into those rumors, saying, “If Abdul Carter falls to 4th overall. Expect the Eagles to place a call to New England about a possible reunion with a wide receiver who loves Mike Vrabel and the Pats.” Brown had spent his first 3 years in the NFL playing for the Titans under Vrabel. So, there might still be some interest in Brown to reunite with his former coach. And him being with the Patriots, the franchise Brown supports as a fan, it could sweeten the deal.

As for the Eagles, they get the No.1 edge rusher in this year’s draft. After losing Josh Sweat to free agency and Brandon Graham to retirement, the Eagles need someone to step into their shoes. And who better than Philly native and Penn State standout, Abdul Carter? So, only time will tell whether this trade could happen. If not, then the Eagles fans should start writing their farewell messages to Carter.