For as long as it was apparent the Patriots were going to land in the top-5 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft, they have been connected to some of the top prospects of the incoming class. That continues to be the case with CB/WR Travis Hunter and EDGE Abdul Carter, as they are expected to be some of the top selections for next month's draft.
But there is a good chance that neither will be available for the Patriots at No. 4, especially with so much speculation surrounding the three teams ahead of them getting involved in free-agent quarterbacks beforehand.
The Titans have been considering signing a quarterback ahead of the draft, like the Browns, who recently signed Jameis Winston, and the Giants, who are still in the mix for Aaron Rodgers. If any of them choose a free agent instead of an incoming rookie, the chances of the Patriots landing either Carter or Hunter drastically decrease, which is not what anyone hopes for.
That would be the worst-case scenario for New England, which has prompted many to suggest they trade down to acquire more picks and select an offensive tackle instead. However, draft expert Daniel Jeremiah has proposed a different idea that might not sit well with many fans.
Daniel Jeremiah thinks the Patriots should pick a different offensive weapon at No. 4
Because there is an increasing chance that the Patriots won't have the opportunity to draft Carter or Hunter at No. 4, the conversation about how they should go about the draft in that situation continues to be a debate.
If they are really loyal to the idea of picking the best player available, there may be no reason to entertain the idea of trading down and instead sticking and picking. If that's the case, Jeremiah believes it would be best for the new regime to draft the best running back of the 2025 class, Ashton Jeanty.
"If the Patriots don't get Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter I think it should be Ashton Jeanty..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 24, 2025
This first pick for the Patriots should be a pick that's gonna help Drake Maye" ~ @MoveTheSticks #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/7wKe6sh4WO
Related: There are plenty of reasons the Patriots should consider Ashton Jeanty in NFL Draft
If the goal is to put together the best offense for Drake Maye to work with in 2025, it's hard to argue against the idea of picking the best running back available, especially when he recorded 374 carries for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Jeanty would make a significant offensive impact by working with Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson and elevating their gameday performance. Although it's not a position of need with those two already in the backfield, adding the rookie would set Maye up for a productive future.