With the New York Giants likely taking themselves out of the running for a quarterback at No. 3 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, it seemed increasingly likely that the New England Patriots would select one of either Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter with the No. 4 pick.

If the Tennessee Titans end up taking Miami quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall, and the Cleveland Browns follow suit with Colorado signal-caller Sheduer Sanders at No. 2, the Patriots could land one of Carter or Hunter, irrespective of what the Giants do above them.

However, that plan hinges almost entirely on the Browns rolling with Sanders.

The latest rumors from top ESPN insiders make it seem like that won’t come to fruition.

If the Draft were today, the odds of Carter lasting long enough to join the Patriots seem quite small.

According to Adam Schefter, the Browns seem likely to use the No. 2 overall pick on Abdul Carter.

If the Giants use the No. 3 pick on Hunter now that their starting quarterback question has been solved, the Patriots could end up getting the short end of the stick.

Patriots could miss out on drafting Abdul Carter due to latest Browns rumors

Carter profiles as a player who could start right away and immediately contribute in a way that puts him on a Pro Bowl track.

With tremendous bend, explosion off the edge, and the ability to play the run when needed, Carter should immediately earn a starting role in New England.

While New England did pay big money for Milton Williams and added Harold Landry to the mix, no one would confuse their pass rush for an elite one.

Adding Carter to the mix could be a perfect addition for a defensive-minded coach like Vrabel to work with.

Without Carter on the board, New England could go in one of many different directions.

Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan could improve the wide receiver room, and two standout offensive tackles in LSU’s Will Campbell and Missouri’s Armand Membou could play right away at the vacant left tackle spot.

The Patriots could build a doomsday defense with Carter at the tip of the spear, but the Browns may have the same idea.

The best course of action for New England is to cross their fingers and beg that Sanders end up being picked by Cleveland.