Mel Kiper Jr. has Patriots selecting Penn State star at No. 4
He believes Abdul Carter could take New England's defense to "another level."
The Patriots clearly did themselves a disservice when they beat the Bills in the regular-season finale and consequently deprived themselves of the No. 1 pick.
At the same time, it’s clear they should still have a prime opportunity to draft a franchise-altering player at No. 4 overall.
While there’s no consensus No. 1 overall pick this year, there’s plenty of talent at the top. Essentially any position outside of quarterback is fair game for New England, and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. believes they may use the pick on a standout defensive end.
In his latest mock draft, Kiper Jr. projected that the Patriots will select Abdul Carter, a 6-foot-3-inch, 259-pound Penn State product. Carter, who established himself as one of the best defensive players in football, racked up 12 sacks, made 68 tackles, and forced two fumbles this season.
Kiper Jr. said Carter is instinctive, fast, and always seems to be around the ball. He noted that he switched from off-ball linebacker to the edge this season and dominated.
“For a New England team that struggled to get pressure, Carter would be a massive addition,” Kiper Jr. wrote. “New coach Mike Vrabel could move him around and use his disruptive traits to improve the Patriots’ league-low sack count (28).”
Kiper Jr. has Miami quarterback Cam Ward, Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders going No. 1 to the Titans, No. 2 to the Browns, and No. 3 to the Giants, respectively.
He also mentions Hunter and Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan as potential options for a Patriots team that has “glaring holes” at receiver.
“There’s a shot the Pats will get an offer to trade back, which would put them in a better spot to take one of the top offensive tackles,” Kiper Jr. wrote. “But Carter — my No. 2 prospect — could take this defense to another level.”
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