NFL Analyst’s Draft Intel Would Be Fantastic News For Patriots

The Patriots’ shot at a generational prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft isn’t that high, but that could change depending on how free agency plays out.

Most mock drafts don’t project New England to land either Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter, two players who are considered the best in the class. Carter fits the mold of how Mike Vrabel wants to rebuild the Patriots, and the new head coach also is high on Hunter.

While there isn’t a high chance New England drafts one of those players, ESPN’s Field Yates offered optimism when he appeared on CLNS Media’s pre-free agency show.

“There’s a real chance that the Patriots land one of Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter at pick No. 4. Leading into Indianapolis, I felt that way and stuff could change with quarterback change this upcoming week,” Yates said Friday, per CLNS Media. “If you’re rooting for the Patriots to land either Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter, then you should be rooting for things like Geno Smith getting traded to the Las Vegas Raiders… and the Seahawks quickly pivoting and signing Sam Darnold, which sounds like there’s a real chance that happens. … You want teams who are picking well behind the Patriots to fill their quarterback void because you want the Giants and Browns to be devoid of quarterback options that would solve the quarterback quandaries they currently have.”

New York reportedly is tied to Aaron Rodgers in free agency, and Cleveland reportedly is doing its due diligence on the top quarterback prospects: Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.

The Patriots will need to do their own work in free agency, but they should also keep a close eye on other teams if they hope for a quick turnaround.