The New England Patriots are hoping for a scenario in which one of the top two players in the 2025 NFL Draft, Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter, fall to them at No. 4 overall. However, that plan is looking less likely by the day.
While many would expect New England to select an offensive player as they try to build a winner around quarterback Drake Maye, some recent rumors seem to suggest that there's a chance that the Patriots land a player who can lead the defense for a decade.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer mentioned that if both Hunter and Carter are off the board, the need for a left tackle could help them land on LSU's Will Campbell at No. 4 overall. However, one player Breer said he "can’t get out of my head for them" is Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker.
Walker, who is widely regarded as a player who could be picked on the fringes of the Top 10 in the 2025 NFL Draft, was referred to as a "general menace" by Breer due to his versatility. In Breer's vision, picking Walker at No. 4 could help Mike Vrabel construct his ideal defensive vision in New England.
Patriots linked to Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker in NFL Draft
Walker's closest comparison might be Haason Reddick, as he profiles as an inside linebacker who can be equally adept as a speed rusher that gets to the quarterback. When paired with his tremendous athletic ability, Walker should be able to start right away and make an impact in the pros.
New England's roster is still is bad that they need to spend their top pick on the best player available. This could lead team to a tackle like Campbell or Missouri's Armand Membou, but they could take advantage of a draft that is widely regarded as exceedingly deep for pass rushers and bring Walker into the fold.
New England is building a defense that could be very scary in a year or two. After paying big money to sign cornerback Carlton Davis and new $100 million defensive tackle Milton Williams, adding Walker to the middle of this group could turn the Patriots into a defensive juggernaut.
Carter or Hunter would be no-brainer picks if they end up being available at No. 4 overall. However, if both of those two are gone, the Patriots may opt for a defensive star like Walker over a lineman.