Potential 2023 first-round NFL Draft pick Andre Carter II could have eligibility REMOVED

Andre Carter II’s position on an NFL roster looked all-but-secure following a phenomenal college career at Army, but now it looks incredibly uncertain after a military defense bill passed congress. 

A new agreement made in the US military’s annual budget now includes a section wherein language prohibits service-academy athletes from deferring active-duty service in order to fulfil their professional sports dreams. 

Particularly, it will affect Navy, Air Force and Army – where Carter is currently enrolled. 

All the bill needs to be immediately ratified is a signature from President Joe Biden after passing through the House of Representatives and Senate. 

With that in mind, it could feasibly become law prior to the 2023 NFL Draft, in which Carter is expected to be the highest Army pick since the 1940s. 

Army’s Andre Carter II could be ineligible for the ’23 NFL Draft if Joe Biden signs off on the bill

The Army star is projected to be a second day draft choice, with the potential to go in the first round if he has a strong Senior Bowl and combine. 

Army athletic director Mike Buddle gave a statement to NFL.com in the wake of the looming change to service-academies’ participation in pro sports. 

‘We are proud of Andre for developing himself as a future leader for our Army as well as into a legitimate NFL prospect through his hard work and dedication,’ Buddle said. 

If ratified, all service-academies will be affected including Air Force, plus Army and Navy

‘He has done all that we have asked of him and more. Hopefully, he will have the opportunity to pursue both dreams: playing professional football and then serving his country as an officer in the U.S. Army.’ 

Since 2019, thanks to a rule implemented by President Donald Trump, service-academy athletes have been able to pursue pro sports after graduation if approved by the defense secretary. Once their careers ceased, fulfilment of their military duties was to occur – or a repayment of tuition costs in full.

Now, that looks to be a distant possibility. However, Navy, Army and Air Force are all expected to meet to discuss the best next steps, per the NFL.com report. 

High-profile schools attempted to persuade Carter to jump into the NCAA transfer portal. Such a move would have avoided such a situation unfolding in his career.

Since the start of the 2020 NFL season, Army have had five active players to Navy’s four

While Carter has not spoken publicly on the matter, his father has, expressing the emotions currently held by his son. 

‘He’s so upset,’ his father, Andre told ESPN. ‘He was literally, visually upset because of the uncertainty. He was not happy. When you’re in the military, everything is precise.

‘To have something at the eleventh hour kind of thrown out there when you are so used to having a regiment; he’s in a fog about the whole thing.’ 

Army Coach Jeff Monken went on the record with his disapproval at the timing of the congress bill.  

Players from all service-academies will be affected and it may likely alter future enrollments

‘It’s just kind of pulling the rug out from under him,’ Monken said, via ESPN. ‘It’s not fair. It’s not fair to him. He was loyal to this team and institution. He could have left and he didn’t.

‘He still wants to serve. It’s not that he doesn’t want to serve. He wants to pursue the NFL and play, and then serve. I’m 100 percent against it.’

The six-foot-seven linebacker was an All-American last season after a 15.5-sack season, the second most in the NCAA. 

His senior year was not as productive due to injuries and other influences, as Carter totaled just 3.5 sacks.