In roughly three months, the New England Patriots will be at the draft table, making an important call with their fourth overall pick. This year’s pool of athletes has some gems, and the Patriots are in a tricky spot but could possibly select a player who could alter their on-field plays.
While the top two quarterbacks, Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, are projected to be picked by teams ahead of New England in the draft, the franchise needs to elevate its defensive lineup.
New England Patriots Fans Excited About Prospect of Landing Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter
Two big names in the 2025 NFL Draft for the Patriots are Travis Hunter, who can play both wide receiver and cornerback and Abdul Carter, who is a strong pass rusher. The tricky part is that the team isn’t the only one interested in these players, and what the top three franchises do will be determining.
Chad Brinker, president of the Tennessee Titans, who holds the first overall pick, has hinted that his team wouldn’t pass up on a “generational talent,” which could possibly refer to either Hunter or Carter. If the Titans pick one of them, that could mess with the Patriots’ plans.
But there’s still hope, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, who pointed out that the Cleveland Browns (No. 2 pick) and New York Giants (No. 3 pick) are probably going to select a QB, which could leave Hunter or Carter available for New England if things break their way.
OK THEN
Per: @RapSheet
The Browns and the Giants are both “likely” to take a quarterback in the NFL draft.
This would leave either Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter at 4 overall for the Patriots.
👀🔥
— Savage (@SavageSports_) January 31, 2025
This chance of gaining a rare prospect has New England fans ecstatic as they flooded X with their comments.
“This would be GREAT news,” a fan said.
“Win-win scenario,” another fan wrote.
YES PLEASE pic.twitter.com/EUcaGQEu5N
— red sleeves (#4 draft pick)〽️ (@MistahJ_74) January 31, 2025
Meanwhile, some wondered what position Hunter, who plays on both sides of the ball, will play in when he enters the league.
“It’s gonna be Hunter. I’m all for it. But which position do we want him to play. It’s gotta be WR right??” a fan asked.
Others made their own predictions on how the draft will play out.
“Kinda difficult to determine who Tennessee would pick as they’re in need of both a CB and Edge. My guess is they’d go for Hunter,” a fan noted.
Kinda difficult to determine who Tennessee would pick as they're in need of both a CB and Edge. My guess is they'd go for Hunter
— Alex Sherman (@AlexSherman12) January 31, 2025
“Patriots have Carter at the top of their board. Because of that, I think the Titans do, too. 1. Carter. 2. Ward. 3. Sanders. 4. Hunter (Us),” another fan opined.
Hunter recorded 1,258 yards on 96 receptions, to go along with 15 touchdowns on the offensive side during his junior season with the Colorado Buffaloes. On defense, he had 36 total tackles, 25 of which were solo, and defended 11 passes.
Meanwhile, Carter made 68 total tackles, with 43 of them being solo. The Penn State DE also defended four passes and sacked the quarterback 12 times during his junior season.