4 days Ago By Conor Ryan
By Conor Ryan The Patriots invested heavily this offseason when it came to bolstering the team’s defensive line and pass-rushing capabilities, signing coveted free agents like Milton Williams and Harold Landry. But even with that upgraded depth chart, Eliot Wolf, Mike Vrabel, and the rest of the Patriots’ top decision-makers likely wouldn’t think twice if Abdul Carter fell to them at No. 4 in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
While a pass rusher like Carter would seemingly be a luxury on New England’s roster (especially when compared to New England’s depth at both left tackle and wide receiver), Carter stands as the type of blue-chip talent that a rebuilding team like the Patriots shouldn’t pass on. The 6-foot-3, 259-pound edge rusher was a monster for Penn State in 2024, recording 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss over 16 games. Even with the additions of players like Williams and Landy, Carter could be a potential game-wrecker in Foxborough, especially on a defense that finished last in the league in sacks last year (28).
Potential #1 pick Abdul Carter highlights 41 TFLs 23 Sacks 71 QB Hurries I think we can all mostly agree on who the #1 player in the draft is 👀 pic.twitter.com/rT5Pzp52PA For most of the last month , the narrative has been that Carter — along with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter – would be off the board by the time the Patriots get on the clock with the fourth pick.
But could that sentiment be changing when it comes to Carter and the potential for him to slip down the draft board? Carter was in Foxborough on Monday for a pre-draft visit with the Patriots, giving him the opportunity to meet with Vrabel and the rest of New England’s staff ahead of the first round of the draft on April 24. “The agent doesn’t let Abdul Carter travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts if he [doesn’t] think there’s a chance,” The Ringer’s Todd McShay said of Carter on “The McShay Show.” “So the agent is getting the same information that I’m getting, that NFL teams are getting — that Shedeur [Sanders] could be in play at 3.
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I’m told it’s either Abdul if he falls to 4 or it’s Will Campbell [for New England].” There is a real chance Abdul Carter falls to the #Patriots , per @McShay13 . “The agent doesn't let Abdul Carter travel to Foxboro, Massachusetts if he [doesn’t] think there's a chance.
.. I’m told it’s either Abdul if he falls to 4 or it’s Will Campbell.
” (🎥 The McShay Show) pic.twitter.com/OHRWaPRGa1 While he opted to keep the details of the meeting to a minimum on Tuesday, Vrabel praised Carter’s potential during his pre-draft meeting with the media.
“We’re not going to discuss any of the interactions in the 30 visit, but I appreciate the knowledge of him being here,” Vrabel said of Carter. “I don’t think he took too many of them, but I would say that the tape is dynamic. There’s a lot of great qualities of a disruptive pass rusher.
Very slippery, loose, sudden player. It was a fun tape to watch.” The Giants, who hold the No.
3 pick in the NFL Draft, are reportedly planning a last-minute workout with Sanders — which could let Carter fall to New England at No. 4 if New York opts to take the Colorado QB. While Carter’s talent is tough to miss, a few “character” concerns might also be hampering his draft stock.
“‘He’s a Pro Bowl player. He’s got everything you’re looking for as an edge rusher. But he’s not a quality guy,’” a scout told longtime NFL writer Bob McGinn of Carter’s game .
“That scout was one of four personnel people to express reservations about Carter’s makeup. ‘He’s not a great worker,’ said one.” “They’re valid,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer added on NBC Sports Boston of the character concerns with Carter.
“I do not think they’re enough to pass on a talent like this, whatsoever. I think you’d be idiotic, because of what that position is.” The character concerns with Abdul Carter “are valid”.
But is it enough for the Giants to pass on him? 🎥: @NBCSBoston , @AlbertBreer pic.twitter.com/VL0CbVq9KJ But even with those potential character issues, Vrabel acknowledged that the Patriots would be willing to bring in the right talent if it improves the roster in 2025 and beyond.
“I think there’s a difference between taking risks and being aggressive and adding quality players and people to the roster,” Vrabel said. “That’ll happen throughout player acquisition. I think that’s something that’s important, but certainly the talent of the player has to be evaluated first.
“Then you go through a lot of different exercises and conversations and just try to figure out the type of person. You can’t win and you can’t do what we want to do with just a bunch of good dudes. That’s not going to get it done.
” Conor Ryan Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023. Sign up for the Today newsletter Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
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