Imagine a smoky backroom poker game where the stakes are sky-high, and every move is calculated. Now, replace the cards with draft picks and the chips with franchise-altering talent. That’s the vibe swirling around Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, a human wrecking ball who’s playing his pre-draft visits like a seasoned gambler—all-in on only the top four teams. The Patriots, holding pocket aces at No. 4, are leaning into the table. But will they fold, call, or raise?
The news broke Thursday when NFL insider Albert Breer revealed Carter’s final visit: Foxborough. The 21-year-old phenom, fresh off meetings with the Titans, Browns, and Giants, is betting on himself as a top-four lock. With 12 sacks and 68 tackles in 2024, Carter isn’t just a prospect—he’s a defensive cheat code. He’s the closest thing to Micah Parsons since Parsons. For New England, a team that ranked 30th in defensive efficiency last year, Carter could be the missing piece. But will he even be there at No. 4?
The Patriots’ Defensive Rebuild: A Carter-Sized Hole
New England’s defense in 2024 was like a ’78 Corvette—once iconic, now sputtering. GM Eliot Wolf revamped the lineup with veterans like Harold Landry and Milton Williams, but the pass rush still lacks a closer. Enter edge rusher Abdul Carter, whose 22.6% pressure win rate last season would’ve led the Patriots’ entire roster. Besides, you don’t pass up a generational talent. But this isn’t Madden. Draft night’s full of curveballs.
Cleveland and New York loom large. The Browns, picking second, could pair Carter with Myles Garrett, creating a nightmare for AFC North QBs. The Giants, at No. 3, might see him as Kayvon Thibodeaux’s twin turbo. But whispers suggest both teams are eyeing Colorado’s Travis Hunter. If the board falls to Ward-Sanders-Hunter, Wolf might sprint to the podium for Carter.
The Carter Conundrum: Talent vs. Team Needs
Scouting Report: A Swiss Army Knife in Shoulder Pads
Edge rusher Abdul Carter isn’t just a pass rusher—he’s a defensive orchestra. His tape shows a blend of Von Miller’s bend and Lawrence Taylor’s menace. Take his “ghost” rush, a move where he fakes a bull rush before dipping under tackles like a slalom skier. Or his inside crossover, a nod to Allen Iverson’s ankle-breakers. Besides, he’s got three moves before breakfast.
The Patriots’ brass has drooled over Carter’s versatility. He can spy mobile QBs (hello, Josh Allen), crash the A-gap, or hunt off the edge. Pairing him with Christian Barmore and Landry would give New England a line reminiscent of their 2003 dynasty—a group that held opponents to 14.9 points per game.
To Trade or Not to Trade? Wolf’s $200 Million Question
Wolf faces a dilemma: draft Carter or auction the pick to a QB-needy team. In 2023, Houston traded up for Will Anderson, a move that propelled their playoff surge. A similar haul could net New England extra picks to address offensive woes. But as Wolf admitted, “The best player available is going to be the way it is.” Meanwhile, Carter’s medicals add intrigue.
After a stress reaction in his foot sparked concerns, agent Drew Rosenhaus declared him 100% ready post-recheck. For Patriots fans, it’s a green light—if he slides. Besides, Carter at No. 4 would be stealing.
In the end, this isn’t just about sacks or stats. It’s about legacy. Edge rusher Abdul Carter represents a rare chance to redefine a defense—and a franchise. As Sun Tzu never said, “The greatest victories are won before the battle.” For New England, the battle begins April 25th. Will Carter be their draft-day heist, or will the ghosts of past misses haunt them?
Main Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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