With the 2025 NFL Draft at the forefront this week due to the Combine, there is a lot of speculation about what might happen in the months leading to the big night based on how players perform there and on their Pro Days. That emphasizes a team like the Patriots, who hold the fourth overall pick, and how that might ultimately impact their choice of player once they're on the clock.
Over the last several weeks, they have been the favorite to land a variety of players, the latest being LSU's left tackle Will Campbell and Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter. Both would be tremendous selections who would immediately upgrade the team, but there is some doubt about whether some of the best fits will even be available when it comes time to choose.
The most prominent of names believed to be a goner before No. 4 is Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter, who would be a homerun pick if the Patriots could snag him. However, he's currently believed to be the first off the board, therefore eliminating him from the Patriots possibilities well before draft night.
But there is plenty of time for things to change between now and then, and it already looks like some things might be moving in their favor, like the latest reports about teams looking into trading up for the first overall pick
The Patriots could be the biggest beneficiary of teams trading up for the first overall pick
Because the quarterback class this year is less than ideal due to being a much smaller pool than usual, teams in need of a signal caller might be desperate to trade up to get one of the very few expected to be franchise players.
That is a massive win for the Patriots, with just three teams picking before them, if more quarterbacks can be taken off the board ahead of their selection. That inevitably means non-quarterbacks will to No. 4, giving them more options to choose from. And the latest from the Combine suggests there will be a few teams calling the Titans about a blockbuster trade up ahead of the draft.
Would not be surprised to see a trade in the top 5 of this draft to get to #1
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) February 27, 2025
A large trade. A Giant one. Titanic if you will.
Related: Eliot Wolf's assessment of Travis Hunter might be hint to Patriots plans
This rumor, in particular, wouldn't completely benefit New England since the Giants currently hold pick No. 3, so they'd be picking before the Patriots anyway.
However, they're not the only team that could be considering a big trade up. Rumors have suggested the Raiders at No. 6 or even the Jets at No. 7 could be interested. Whether they move up to the first overall pick or trade with the Browns at No. 2, the Patriots benefit by removing a team not in need of a quarterback from the board ahead of them.
Any of these situations would be great for their chances of getting the top player they desire. For now, they'll have to wait to see what happens.