How Update From AFC Team Could Have Trickle-Down Effect On Patriots
Every signing and roster move made by the Browns is relevant to the Patriots ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
It’s just that simple.
Cleveland, after all, is one of just three teams that holds a higher draft pick than New England. The Browns hold the second overall selection behind only the Tennessee Titans and in front of the New York Giants and Patriots. Any roster alteration they make leading up to April’s event could impact their draft process and in turn New England’s options.
The latest development came when Browns general manager Andrew Berry on Tuesday said the organization will not trade Myles Garrett. Garrett’s future was a topic of conversation ever since he said he didn’t want to be part of a rebuild in Cleveland.
Enter the Patriots.
No, not in the sense they’re less likely to acquire Garrett, although that’s fair too, but rather in the sense Garrett remaining with the Browns creates uncertainty when it comes to Cleveland’s draft plans.
Are the Browns more or less likely to draft edge rusher Abdul Carter with Garrett returning?
The Patriots would greatly benefit from Carter sliding to them given their need for pass-rushers.
If the Browns were to trade Garrett, a four-time All-Pro defensive end, it would heighten their own need at the position. Using that logic, Cleveland keeping Garrett is a good thing for New England when it comes to Carter, right?
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However, there’s also the argument Carter makes even more sense for Cleveland given it has Garrett, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Garrett finished atop the league in pass-rush grade, pass-rush win rate and total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Imagine offensive linemen being tasked to keep Garrett and Carter, ranked as the No. 1 prospect by draft expert Daniel Jeremiah, off their quarterback? Yikes.
It likely will be a topic of discussion among evaluators and teams atop the draft board like the Patriots.
The Browns are an interesting case in more ways than one, however. Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles again this offseason, which in turn could heighten the franchise’s need for a quarterback in the draft. That would serve as a great benefit for New England, which is one team atop the board with its QB position solidified.