How Top Agent Sold Abdul Carter On Patriots Before NFL Draft

Abdul Carter only met with four teams during the NFL draft process, and the New England Patriots were on that list.

Carter likely made the move because he and his representation don’t believe he’ll fall past No. 4. The Penn St. product is a consensus top-two player in this year’s class and focusing on four teams allowed him to better understand where his future might be.

NFL Films on Thursday released a video of Carter’s agent Drew Rosenhaus giving the 21-year-old an elevator pitch on the teams that might draft him. The top agent listed four qualities that make the Patriots appealing.

“The fourth pick, the appeal of the Patriots. Storied franchise, they’ve won so many Super Bowls with Robert Kraft, their owner, with Tom Brady, Bill Belichick,” Rosenhaus told Carter and his parents. “Huge market, New England is a massive market with Boston, one of the biggest markets in the NFL, top-five market. And Mike Vrabel is the new coach. Vrabel is a defensive guru. They have a huge need. They’re one of the teams that have struggled the most in rushing the quarterback last few seasons. Abdul would be phenomenal there.”

Now, it’s unlikely Carter falls to No. 4 on Thursday night. NFL insiders expect the blue-chip prospect to be selected either by the Cleveland Browns or the New York Giants at No. 2 or No. 3, respectively.

However, Rosenhaus’ assessment of the Patriots gave fans a good idea of how people outside of Foxboro, Mass., view the organization. New England is still a good market and a respected franchise, and players can be sold on playing for Vrabel.

Fans will still hope that the Patriots will get the opportunity to draft Carter, and if they do, he’ll know what he’s signing up for.