The New New England Patriots have spent much of the offseason rebuilding a defense that allowed 24.5 points per game last season, despite needing to add game-altering talent to young quarterback Drake Maye’s arsenal as he enters his second NFL season.
“I don’t believe so,” a veteran NFC personnel executive told me when I asked him if the Patriots had done enough to help Maye this offseason, on the condition of anonymity to discuss another team. “They do have a lot of picks this year and need to nail them. It’s a slow process.”
New England Patriots, Jonathan Jones
Jan 13, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; Mike Vrabel (left) poses for a photo with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (right) after a press conference at Gillette Stadium to introduce him as the Patriots new head coach. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
While adding a field-stretching wide receiver or an anchor at offensive tackle to protect Maye could jumpstart the former first-round pick’s development, there’s a chance the Patriots stick to their plan of bolstering new head coach Mike Vrabel’s defense even further during the NFL Draft.
Could Abdul Carter fall to the New England Patriots?
Abdul Carter
Penn State Linebacker Abdul Carter putting pressure on Auburn quarterback – Joe Hermitt/jhermitt@pennlive.com
Former Penn State All-American edge rusher Abdul Carter has been projected to go as high as No. 1 overall I next month’s draft, or slipping to the Cleveland Browns–opposite Myles Garrett with the No. two pick.
However, if Carter is on the board, he’d be difficult for the Patriots to pass up at No. 4 overall.
“The Patriots really need a No. 1 receiver and a starting left tackle to protect Drake Maye,” Marcus Mosher points out for The 33rd Team, in his latest mock draft projection. “But Abdul Carter is too good of a prospect to pass up. Carter could easily go at No. 2, but the falls to pick No. 4 in this mock, and the Patriots have to be thrilled.
“They need a superstar pass rusher and haven’t had one since the prime of Chandler Jones. Carter has a chance to be a double-digit sack player as a rookie and would thrive in Mike Vrabel’s defense.”
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Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter (11) motions to the crowd during a White Out game against Iowa Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in State College, Pa. Carter, a sophomore, has recorded 11 total tackles, one sack and one interception through the first four games of the season.
If the Patriots opt to select the best player and prospect available, it’s hard to pass up on the Nittany Lions‘ game-wrecker.
During his final season in Happy Valley, Carter, 6-foot-3 and 259 pounds posted a career-high 12 sacks with 24 tackles for loss, and would be an immediate impact player on a defense in desperate need of it. That is, if he’s available, and if New England can afford to send its young quarterback out there without a difference-making weapon or elite offensive tackle to keep him upright.
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