The Patriots’ most pressing needs ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft revolve around help at both offensive tackle and wide receiver.
But a new mock draft submitted by The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner has New England opting for another blue-chip defensive player — one whose stock, as Baumgardner notes, might be falling due to injury woes.
Baumgardner projects that the Patriots will select Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 4 pick, giving an already strong defensive line featuring Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, and Keion White another top talent to work with.