Our staff has compiled what the top ‘experts’ are predicting the New England Patriots will do in the in the 2025 NFL Draft.
PICK: Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State
Kiper’s Analysis:
“Carter is instinctive and fast, and he seems to always be around the ball. He converted from off-ball linebacker to the edge this season and dominated to the tune of 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. For a New England team that struggled to get pressure, Carter would be a massive addition. New coach Mike Vrabel could move him around and use his disruptive traits to improve the Patriots’ league-low sack count (28). New England also has glaring holes at receiver and on the offensive line. If Hunter is still on the board, he fits. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan makes some sense, too. And there’s a shot the Pats get an offer to trade back, which would put them in a better spot to take one of the top offensive tackles. But Carter — my No. 2 prospect — could take this defense to another level.”
PICK: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado’s
Edward’s Analysis:
“The expectation is that most teams will prefer Travis Hunter at cornerback, but he has the talent to appear in some wide receiver packages as well. New England needs to supplement the offensive core, so it would not be a surprise if the Patriots favored a full-time player like Tetairoa McMillan.”
McIntyre’s Analysis:
“The Pats had the worst offensive line for much of the season. Yes, they’d love to trade down, but whichever tackle they draft here should start from Day 1. ”
Brugler’s Analysis:
“How we view the Patriots’ needs at the moment compared to three months from now could vary wildly, based on the cap space this organization has to address key positions in free agency. With his tracking skills and fluid catch radius, McMillan has a skill set similar to that of Tee Higgins (who shouldn’t see a minute of free agency, if the Bengals are smart).
PICK: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Iyer’s Analysis:
“The Patriots had the fewest sacks in the NFL under former defensive-minded coach Jerod Mayo. Carter was unstoppable wrecking plays with pass rush and run diagnosis in the CFP and would be a great first pick for the Mike Vrabel era.”
Kelly’s Analysis:
“The Patriots beat the Bills in Week 18 to lose out on the first pick, but they don’t need to draft a quarterback, so they still end up with a very good player here. Campbell can provide a massive boost to New England’s porous offensive line, boasting the light footwork and overall athleticism to play at left tackle but the demeanor and body type to fill in at guard. He gives the Pats the options they need up front to protect Drake Maye in 2025.”
Trapasso’s Analysis:
“Hunter to the Patriots would be tremendous for everyone involved. New England gets a ridiculous two-way player, and Hunter can be featured prominently right away.”
Rang’s Analysis:
“The Patriots entered Week 18 projected to have the No. 1 overall pick, but a stunning victory over the Buffalo Bills pushed them three spots lower and yet still cost head coach Jerod Mayo his job. Whoever his replacement will be — former Patriots linebacker and Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is rumored to be a candidate — will recognize Graham’s talent. Paired with blossoming star Keion White, the Patriots could have the makings of a dominant defensive line.”
