The 2024 NFL Draft is about a month away, meaning NFL teams are in the final stages of determining which future rookies they want on their team ahead of the new season.
The same goes for the New England Patriots, and despite making a splash in free agency, the six-time Super Bowl winning franchise could still add another instant impact player to its roster in the draft.
The Patriots have the No. 4 overall pick for the event, putting them in a great position to land one of this year's top prospects.
New England can address different parts that need strengthening, such as wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive line positions.
And according to CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso, the Patriots will head towards the defensive route in the draft.
Trapasso's latest mock draft predicts that New England will select Penn State's Abdul Carter with its first-round pick.
Carter, who is regarded as the best defensive player in the draft and may even go No. 1, will be an important player for the Patriots.
He logged 43 solo tackles, 12 sacks, and two forced fumbles with the Nittany Lions in 2024.
Trappaso described Carter as a "speed rusher," and if he can replicate his dominant collegiate displays in the pros, he'll certainly be a headache for opposing quarterbacks.
New England signed key defensive players in free agency, such as defensive tackle Milton Williams, linebackers Robert Spillane and Harold Landry III, and cornerback Carlton Davis III. On top of that, the team already has cornerback standout Christian Gonzalez.
Should Carter remain on the board when it's the Patriots turn to select their player, the team can confidently be one of the best defenses in 2025.
