The New England Patriots made some moves during the first two days of the NFL's legal tampering period and could make more when free agency officially opens on Wednesday at 4 p.m. They also have the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
New England still has needs to address prior to the new season. Quarterback isn't one of them, which could set the Patriots up in prime position to select a strong pass-rusher in Abdul Carter.
"No team should be rooting harder for two quarterbacks to go in the first three picks than the Patriots," ESPN's Field Yates wrote in a mock draft this week. "They could then just let the board fall to them and take either Carter or (Travis) Hunter -- whichever of them is still available. Carter is the best pass rusher in the class and would instantly become one of the Patriots' two best defensive cornerstones along with corner Christian Gonzalez. With his incredible first-step quickness, he'd fit nicely alongside new addition Milton Williams.
"Yes, the Patriots still must address the left tackle position, and they've made a flurry of defensive moves," he continued. "But the opportunity to add Carter is too good to pass up, no matter what happens over the rest of free agency."
Carter has been connected to the Patriots in mock drafts, but the defensive lineman has also been at the top of others as the No. 1 pick.
The Tennessee Titans, New York Giants and Cleveland Browns didn't add a starting quarterback during the first two days o legal tampering. That could change when free agency begins, or they could wait until the draft.
If the Patriots end up drafting Carter -- who met with the Patriots at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis -- he'd immediately add an impact to an area where the team struggled last season.