The 2025 NFL Draft is kicking off in 21 days, and this means that teams are strategizing to land the most efficient prospects for this year's class. The New England Patriots, for instance, are preparing for a critical juncture in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Holding the No. 4 overall pick, their first-round plan depends on what happens with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants at picks two and three. And if the draft board breaks their way, Penn State's Abdul Carter might be the defensive anchor they've been searching for.
Patriots' Draft Plan Hinges on Browns and Giants
The Patriots' front office has planned for several first-round scenarios, but the best scenario would be watching the Browns and Giants bypass top defensive stars. Cleveland takes quarterback Shedeur Sanders at No. 2, and New York takes Colorado's Travis Hunter at No. 3, Athlon Sports wrote in its recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
This leaves Abdul Carter quite possibly the top edge rusher in the class on the board for New England. If that occurs, the Patriots will have an easy choice to grab him as the No. 4 overall pick.
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Abdul Carter's Explosive Penn State College Career
Abdul Carter has been a force of nature on Penn State's defensive line. His confidence is unmatched, as seen on ESPN's latest report, where he restated his case as the No. 1 pick of all teams.
"My versatility. I can play multiple positions, and I feel like most importantly I step up when I'm needed the most when crunch time comes around. When you need somebody to make that big play, I feel like I'm the guy who makes that big play," the 21-year-old defensive end said.
In three dominant years, he accumulated 172 total tackles, 104 solo tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 23 sacks, 13 pass deflections, and five forced fumbles.
In 2024 alone, he had 68 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 16 games. Carter's speed off the edge, combined with his football intelligence and ferocity, makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Patriots Rebuild Pass Rush with Big Offseason Moves
New England was aggressive this offseason in addressing their defensive needs. They inked former Titans edge rusher Harold Landry to a three-year, $43.5 million contract.
While Landry brings veteran leadership and proven productivity, posting 19.5 sacks and 29 tackles for loss over the past two seasons, he's still recovering from a torn ACL suffered two years ago.
The Patriots ended up last in the league in sacks last year with only 28. To remain competitive in a loaded AFC East, they need more muscle in their pass rush desperately.
Abdul Carter Could Be Defensive Rookie of the Year Favorite
Placing Carter alongside a Mike Vrabel defense would be genius. The former Patriots linebacker turned head coach understands how to mold elite pass rushers, and Carter's profile is the ideal fit for Vrabel's attacking defensive style.
His presence would immediately provide New England pass-rushing credibility as well as fortify their run defense. Based on his college output and athleticism, Carter may step into the league as a heavy favorite to be the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
If the chips land just so, the New England Patriots are well-positioned to steal the spotlight in the 2025 NFL Draft. Abdul Carter's coming to Foxborough might be the start of a new era on defense. He could be the sack king in the making.
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