In a perfect world, the New England Patriots land either Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter or Colorado wide receiver/cornerback in the First Round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
According to one media insider, the Patriots can likely cross Carter off their list. On ESPN’s NFL Live, Adam Schefter stated, “It’s not going to happen. Abdul Carter is going to go before the New England Patriots pick at No. 4.”
“As we sit here today.. [Abdul Carter] is shaking up to be a Brown” – Adam Schefter https://t.co/0SKyeIqwKk pic.twitter.com/NoW7GLXJnR
— Khan (@Khanman23) March 26, 2025
He added, “I would handicap Abdul Carter right now as the likely pick at No. 2 today. We reserve the right to change our mind, a lot of things change, but the way this is shaking out to me, it looks like he’s tracking to be (Cleveland) Brown.”
Carter played three seasons at Penn State, accumulating 172 tackles (104 solo), 41 tackles for loss, 23 sacks, one interception, and five forced fumbles. In 2024, he was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and received unanimous All-American honors.
Southern Methodist Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) is sacked by Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) during the first round of the College Football Playoff at Beaver Stadium.Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
While the idea of Carter being available for New England’s selection at No. 4 was always more of a hopeful fantasy than a reality, this latest news stings nonetheless. With Tennessee focusing on Miami quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 and the Browns likely to take Carter, the New York Giants now have significant leverage in the draft.
If the Giants select Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the third pick, Hunter will fall to the Patriots. However, if the Giants are satisfied with their quarterback duo of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, they might opt for the versatile wide receiver/cornerback instead.
That scenario would be the worst case outcome for New England, but there is always a Plan C. That could involve trading up or staying put and selecting the top offensive lineman, but the Patriots have to find an immediate contributor.