The 2025 offseason is expected to be a significant one for the Patriots, even more so now with Mike Vrabel at the helm to make big decisions that should ultimately make the team a competitive group once again. With so many improvements needing to be made, they're fortunate to enter free agency with the league-high cap space and eventually head into the NFL Draft with a top-5 pick, both of which will make a tremendous impact on the roster.
The chatter has suggested they will spend big on free agents, with the latest reporting suggesting it will predominantly be in the trenches, allowing them to take the best player available on draft night. That has ultimately led them to be a favorite for Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter, who has been widely considered the best player of the incoming class.
Because the Patriots need so much help on the defensive line, Carter would be a dream prospect to add and make an immediate impact on game day. The problem is that he has risen on draft boards in recent weeks, making him potentially the first player off the board.
He's been a popular prospect at the NFL Combine because of that, and it's now being deemed an unlikely scenario that he will drop to pick No. 4.
Leading off Wednesday asking Penn State star defender Abdul Carter about his meeting with Mike Vrabel and the Patriots … and his impressions of Vrabel.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) February 26, 2025
Would seem like a dream scenario if Carter is there at No. 4. pic.twitter.com/LSgDQv6dk5
It's the unfortunate reality the Patriots might face, which isn't entirely the end of the world since there are some other quality options to choose from at their current draft positioning or if they trade down.
However, Carter's impact is hard to overlook, especially when the latest update from the Combine seemed to suggest the Patriots might hit the jackpot and Carter could actually fall into their lap.
The Patriots hopes of drafting Abdul Carter might be completely shot after the NFL Combine
With so much going on this week at the Combine, many players will be meeting with the Patriots, and who will become the latest favorite for the fourth overall pick will likely continue to change often.
Earlier in the week, it seemed like Carter could be crossed off the list of potential picks, but when injury news was released on Wednesday, it seemed like there could be a situation where teams pass on him due to concerns about the severity.
That would be a dream scenario for Vrabel, but NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed the latest on the situation, and it only seems to have gotten worse for New England, just as it seemed to be getting promising.
After consulting with doctors again this morning, the plan is for Abdul Carter to work out at his Pro Day and not have surgery. He has reported no pain for what is a small stress reaction in his foot.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2025
The belief is, despite the scare, he should be ok. https://t.co/fMddKBFpzA
While this is far from guaranteeing anything two months out from the draft, it doesn't bode well for the Patriots' chances of having the opportunity to pick Carter.
If all goes well on his Pro Day and the injury doesn't appear to be an issue for him, it's hard to imagine a scenario where he is still on the board when the Patriots are on the clock. It's unfortunate given how badly they need a dominant pass rusher and how well Carter would fit that role.
However, there are some other solid options that could be just as impactful, even if the idea of adding Carter to the roster would be the ultimate dream. For now, all signs point to him being unavailable at No. 4, so it might be time to focus on other players who might be there instead.