New England Patriots - NESN.com
Abdul Carter being available when the Patriots go on the clock in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft feels unlikely.
But if the Penn State product unexpectedly falls and is selected by New England at No. 4 overall, he seemingly would be excited about the opportunity to play for Mike Vrabel.
Carter, who very well could be the No. 1 overall pick in late April, confirmed to the media Wednesday morning that he’s met with the new Patriots head coach. The talented pass-rusher was asked to share his impressions of Vrabel, who also played linebacker in the Big Ten.
“Very serious, very upfront guy,” Carter told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, per a video shared by 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Alex Barth. “He’s all about his business, which is what I like. He was really straightforward with me. I feel like I like him.”
As of Wednesday morning, Carter had the second-shortest odds at FanDuel Sportsbook to be selected first overall, trailing only Miami quarterback Cam Ward. The 21-year-old very well might be the best player in the entire class, but with the first three teams on the draft board needing quarterback help, Carter becoming available to the Patriots at No. 4 isn’t completely far-fetched.
New England probably would jump at the chance to select Carter, because despite needs at wide receiver and offensive line, defense might be the focus for the Patriots in the early rounds this spring.
