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2025 NFL mock draft roundup: Could Patriots take edge rusher in Round 1? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
A lot of people have predicted the New England Patriots will target a wide receiver or left tackle with their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
And it makes sense. Anyone who’s watched even one game of the Patriots’ 2024 season would be able to tell that there’s a severe lack of talent on the offensive line and among the wide receivers. They are two of the most important positions on the field, and it’s very important that New England surrounds rookie quarterback Drake Maye with as many elite-level teammates as possible.
But what about the defense?
The Patriots defense came into the season with high expectations, but this unit has largely underperformed throughout the first 13 games. Second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez is having an excellent campaign and making a strong case to be selected as an All-Pro. But outside of Gonzalez, not many players on the Patriots defense are meeting or exceeding expectations.
One position the Patriots would be wise to consider upgrading in Round 1 is edge rusher.
A premier pass rusher can have a huge impact on a weekly basis. T.J. Watt of the Steelers and Myles Garrett of the Browns are two of the best examples. The Patriots don’t have this kind of player on their defense, but lucky for them, the 2025 draft class is full of talented edge rushers.
One of them is Penn State star Abdul Carter, who has steadily risen up draft boards throughout the season. Carter was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year earlier this week after tallying a career-high 10 sacks, along with 33 solo tackles, three passes defensed and two forced fumbles.
Carter would be a tremendous addition to the Patriots defense. New England is not generating a fearsome pass rush on a weekly basis and ranks 23d in sacks with 27 in 13 games.
In addition to Carter, who else might the Patriots look at in the first round? Here’s a roundup of expert…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/2025-nfl-mock-draft-roundup-173915114.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2024-12-04 17:39:00
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