Most of the 2025 NFL mock drafts that have been released follow a familiar script for the Patriots.

If it’s not New England taking the “best player available” in reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, it’s usually a pivot to an offensive tackle like Will Campbell or Kelvin Banks Jr. — or another impactful wideout like Tetairoa McMillan.

But Kyle Crabbs of the 33rd Team broke from the usual narratives with his latest mock draft — predicting that New England stands pat with the No. 2 overall pick and select Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter. 

“The Patriots sound fully committed to continuing their planned future with head coach Jerod Mayo despite the trying ups and downs of life after Bill Belichick,” Crabbs wrote earlier this week. “If they’re going to stay the path, the Patriots would be wise to ensure they have the horses in the front needed to live up to the identity of their coach’s background. 

“The formula for doing that could be either a running mate for Christian Gonzalez at cornerback or potentially a star pass-rush weapon. If they opt for the pass rush route, Abdul Carter has been an absolute terror this season for the Penn State Nittany Lions — who appear poised for a deep run into the College Football Playoff after a smothering defensive performance against SMU.”

Even if upgrading the supporting cast around Drake Maye and New England’s offense offers clear appeal, the case can be made that the Patriots’ defense has been the team’s most disappointing unit so far this season.

Beyond Gonzalez’s emergence as a Pro-Bowl-level corner, the Patriots are very short on playmakers on that side of the ball — especially in the front seven. 

“Assuming they stay put, New England entered Week 16 with two players with more than 2.5 sacks on the season after trading away Matthew Judon at the beginning of the year,” Crabbs wrote, adding: “Finding a centerpiece of the future pass rush, especially one with the alignment versatility of Carter, would change the pass rush dynamics for Mayo and the Patriots.”

Even with a solid season from Keion White (five sacks), the Patriots are tied with the Jaguars for the second-fewest sacks in the league with 28. Carter has racked up 11 sacks, 40 solo tackles, and two forced fumbles so far this year with the Nittany Lions.

Putting Carter on a defense that already features Gonzalez, White, and hopefully a healthy Christian Barmore stands as a step in the right direction for New England. 

Still, New England might be better served trading down for more draft capital and a pick that secures a tackle like Campbell — while a two-way prospect like Hunter still might offer the highest ceiling if the Patriots stand pat with the No. 2 pick.

 

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.