The 2025 NFL Draft is finally right around the corner, and who the Patriots will ultimately select with their first-round pick remains one of the most heated debates of the offseason. Because they already have a quarterback in Drake Maye, their options become more limited, even with numerous positions that need significant upgrading.
The offense has remained the weakest group of all, especially after the new regime focused their free agency efforts on improving the defense, which has put players like CB/WR Travis Hunter and LT Will Campbell at the top of the list as their most likely Round 1 selections.
However, because they have focused so much on the defense and they are in prime position to take one of the best pass rushers of the incoming class, the Patriots haven't escaped the possibility of picking Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter, a wrecking ball pass rusher who would be a massive addition to a defensive line that will already look better with DT Milton Williams joining the group.
Since the three teams ahead of New England on the draft board could all choose quarterbacks, there is a chance that Carter could fall to No. 4, which would be the best-case scenario for a team in their position. But based on Carter's most recent social media activity, it doesn't appear he feels too concerned about falling that far.
Abdul Carter seems pretty confident that he will be the first overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft
With the Titans on the clock for the past few months with the first overall pick, there has been considerable speculation about who they might select, as they are in a similar situation to the Patriots. However, they have uncertainty at quarterback, after seemingly missing with 2023 second-rounder Will Levis, and could decide to take the best incoming quarterback of the rookie class.
That is still a big possibility, even more so since it doesn't appear that any teams are trying to trade up with Tennessee. Yet, there is also a solid chance that they go in a different direction and bulk up their defense by taking Carter.
Based on Carter's latest tweet, it seems fair to assume that he might already know the Titans are planning to draft him, ensuring he won't be available for the Patriots at No. 4.
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β Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) March 24, 2025
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This isn't the first tweet that the Penn State alum has posted that seemed to imply he would be the next Tennessee Titan. He also posted earlier in March after meeting with teams, a few emojis, one of which was a hand making a number one signal.
His latest post only seems to confirm that notion further and might prompt the Patriots to reconsider drafting him sooner rather than later.
They're fortunate to have landed Milton Williams in free agency, and the incoming EDGE class is reportedly deep. Although missing out on Carter would be less than ideal, it's not the end of the world either. It would allow Mike Vrabel and Co. to look at other needy positions instead, like wide receiver and left tackle, both of which have strong prospects to take with their first-round pick.