Mel Kiper Predicts Patriots’ Strategy for No. 4 Overall Draft Pick

The Patriots’ offense desperately needs an upgrade, which makes supporting quarterback Drake Maye a logical move for New England with the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. However, according to Mel Kiper Jr.’s first 2025 mock draft, the Patriots might find themselves in a position where they can’t pass up a defensive talent that’s simply too good to ignore.

In his mock, Kiper projects the Tennessee Titans to select quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall, followed by Travis Hunter to the Cleveland Browns and Shedeur Sanders to the New York Giants. With those selections, game-changing linebacker Abdul Carter would fall right into the Patriots’ lap. Kiper highlights Carter’s instinctive and fast play, emphasizing that he’s always around the ball. After converting from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher, Carter dominated, racking up 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. Kiper believes Carter could be the solution to New England’s struggles in generating pressure, potentially elevating their league-low sack count of 28.

The Patriots also have glaring needs at receiver and offensive line, and Kiper suggests that if Hunter remains available, he could be a fit. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan could also make sense as a target. There’s even a possibility the Patriots could entertain trade-back options to land one of the top offensive tackles. But, according to Kiper, if Carter is still on the board, he could provide the kind of immediate impact that transforms the Patriots’ defense.

Mel Kiper

While it’s crucial for any team to carefully evaluate all options when it comes to a first-round draft pick, Kiper suggests that sometimes the best strategy is simply taking the best player available. If Ward, Hunter, and Sanders are all off the board by the time the Patriots make their selection, Carter may very well be the most talented player left, making him an enticing option to strengthen New England’s defense.