With another disappointing season in the books, the Patriots had just one silver lining to take away from 2024; the award of having a top-5 pick in the upcoming draft. Although they had a good chance to hold the first overall, the win against the Bills in Week 18 took that away and moved them down three spots, which still isn't a bad position to be in.
Because they don't need a quarterback like some teams ahead and behind them, they'll have a good opportunity to select one of the best non-quarterback prospects of the class. The most prominent names they have already been tied to continue to be Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter and Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter, both of whom would be stellar additions.
They have become favorites to land in New England until recently, due to rumors suggesting there might be some movement within the top three picks, especially the Titans with the first overall. It's not the update the Patriots need given how dire their roster needs are, but speculation has changed in the days since the NFL Combine.
That is an update they do want to hear with free agency set to begin next week.
The latest rumors suggest the Patriots might be in good standing with the No. 4 pick to land their top targets in the Draft
Now that this year's Combine is in the past, there is even more focus on next month's draft and who teams will draft. There aren't many desirable quarterbacks in this year's class, making it crucial for the teams that need one to move up, which is the latest chatter leading into free agency.
According to ESPN's NFL insider Dan Graziano, at least two teams, the Giants and Jets, are looking into trading with the Titans for the first overall pick, likely in hopes of drafting the quarterback they believe will be the future of their franchise.
The New York Giants AND Jets are both interested in moving up to 1st overall, per @DanGrazianoESPN pic.twitter.com/10ZUkSUwW8
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) March 2, 2025
Related: Ex-Patriots coach warns against specific position with No. 4 pick in 2025 Draft
The Giants already pick ahead of the Patriots at No. 3, so them moving up doesn't impact their selection. However, the Jets come in at No. 7, drastically changing the landscape of who would be available at No. 4.
There has already been much speculation about the Patriots' top targets not falling to them, with some believing the Titans will take Carter at No. 1. Even if they trade with the Giants, the sentiment remains the same, as the Browns (at No. 3) are suspected to take a quarterback as well.
It has been rumored that Hunter could be the first off the board, leaving Carter for the Patriots to massively improve their pass rusher.
No matter what scenario happens with a trade, it's fair to assume the Patriots benefit. Even if there are no trade ups or downs, the belief is two quarterbacks will be taken in the first three picks, meaning only one of the Patriots' top targets will be off the board by the time they're on the clock.
It might not be the most ideal scenario, as holding the first overall pick would've made the whole thing much less stressful. But there's no reason to believe New England can't get a player that will make a drastic impact and be a pivotal part of their future.