Right now, the Patriots need everything except a quarterback, but quarterbacks will shape their 2025 draft class.
The roster has talent, but potential superstars are few and far between. If step one in a rebuild is to secure a franchise quarterback, step two is to surround him with young superstars. Trades and signings are possible, especially in the current market, but great teams build their foundation through the NFL Draft.
Fortunately for the Pats, they sit behind three QB-needy teams in a draft where the best players are elsewhere. All signs point to Sheduer Sanders, the quarterback out of Colorado, being one of the top three selections. After meeting with the Titans, Browns, and Giants (picks #1, 2, and 3 respectively), Sanders opted to sit out of practices at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Logic suggests that Sanders was told in at least one of those meetings that he wouldn’t be available at No. 4.
According to most draft analysts, next up is Cam Ward, quarterback out of Miami. Again, all three teams ahead of the Pats need a franchise quarterback, and Ward will likely be off the board before pick No. 4.
Despite a great start to the 2024 college season, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe has likely played himself out of an early draft selection, especially after a poor showing at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. One possible late riser is Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss, but the top 3 may be just out of his reach.
Why the fixation on quarterbacks? You may ask…
Patriots could be in the best position possible for a team not needing a quarterback in this year's draft
This is a top-heavy draft class, and the more quarterbacks taken before #4, the more options the Patriots have to get their guy. Sanders and Ward seem to be a sure thing, but the late addition of Dart to the top 3 could open up a world of opportunities for New England, including the chance to trade down for picks or established stars.
With the Patriots' first-round pick, Abdul Carter, the defensive game wrecker from Penn State, is a remarkable talent. Colorado’s Heisman-winner Travis Hunter is a big question mark, given that he played both ways (at an elite level) in college, but receiver and corner are needs for the Pats, making him tremendously appealing.
Fan-favorite running back Ashton Jeanty from Boise State could immediately boost the offense as a rusher, receiver, and pass protection. If you hear the oft-overused term “generational” in this draft cycle, it’s with reference to one of these three.
Other options, possibly in a trade-down situation, are offensive tackles Will Campbell from LSU or Kelvin Banks from Texas. Either would be an immediate plug-and-play, although Campbell may need to shift inside due to concerns over arm length.
Cornerback Will Johnson out of Michigan is a highly talented and technically sound prototype at the position, who would complete one of the league’s top cornerback duos for years to come. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan would be an immediate WR1 in New England, and Michigan’s defensive tackle Mason Graham would help to secure a defensive front seven with some holes.
Much will be made of the Patriots' selection in the coming months, and for good reason. #4 is a pivotal selection for the team and the draft as a whole. Thanks to the quarterbacks, the Patriots may have their pick of the litter at #4. Simply put, Abdul Carter is a Micah Parsons-esque player who can affect a defense immediately.
His skill and versatility as a 4i defensive end, wide-9 edge rusher, and off-ball linebacker are rare talents. He is spectacular. As it stands, he’s the ideal guy, especially on a Mike Vrabel team.