Here’s how the board turned out for the Patriots in our latest 2025 NFL mock draft: The Patriots need a game-wrecker on defense, and Abdul Carter is a one-man demolition show. His elite playmaking abilities have been compared to Dallas Cowboys’ star edge rusher Micah Parsons for good reasons.

There are only two NFL teams still competing for the Super Bowl. Other teams have turned their attention to improving their rosters for next season and the first opportunity to make those enhancements is through free agency in March.

Campbell was named a consensus All-American in 2024, but some around the league question whether his arm length will deter teams and cause him to slip in the draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper — who has the Patriots selecting Abdul Carter in his first mock draft — has Campbell going to the Chicago Bears with the 10th pick.

This is a Patriots team that needs help on both sides of the ball. It’s already clear they have major needs at edge rusher, offensive tackle and wide receiver when entering the 2025 NFL draft. They managed to address all three areas right off the bat in our latest mock draft.

The AFC champion Chiefs built an elite defense through the NFL Draft. Should the Patriots take a similar approach to team building?

A top pass rusher, trading down or the Heisman Trophy winner? If all goes well, New England should have great options with the No. 4 pick.

In the latest NFL mock draft from CBS Sports, that’s the case with Hunter — Josh Edwards has the Patriots grabbing Hunter at No. 4, which would be really nice value there. Here’s his take on why: