The New England Patriots have multiple roster gaps to address. While their offense lacks standout talent, they could also strengthen their defense.
To make improvements, the Patriots will need to turn to both free agency and the NFL Draft in the offseason. Luckily, they’re in a good position for a high draft pick.
But which position might New England prioritize in the first round? There are plenty of choices, but Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler suggests a strong option: Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter.
Fowler describes Carter as having an “elite get-off” to beat blockers, along with the strength to push through defenders and the range to chase down ball-carriers in open space. He’s productive, versatile, and still developing his skills.
Currently, Carter is excelling in his junior season at Penn State with 34 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks, a forced fumble, and three passes defended across eight games. Since starting in 2022, he’s been a consistent playmaker, racking up 17 total sacks.
The Patriots could use an additional edge rusher, especially after trading Matthew Judon before the season and moving on from Josh Uche last month.
After a quiet trade deadline, New England missed chances to secure future assets, so a strong offseason will be essential to build a more competitive roster for 2025. Their approach to the draft in the spring will be crucial.
