The New England Patriots’ hopes for landing a top-tier player in the 2025 NFL Draft are now teetering on the decisions of the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants. New England is hoping for one of Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter, but their fate rests on the draft choices of these two teams. While the Patriots are still likely to pick up an impactful player, the reality is that their chances of grabbing Hunter or Carter diminish significantly, especially after the Giants’ move to sign veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal.
Wilson’s arrival with the Giants creates a less likely scenario for New York to pick a quarterback in the first round, a development that could push the Patriots further from landing one of the top two players in the draft. If the Giants don’t opt for a quarterback, New England’s shot at Hunter or Carter might vanish entirely.
The Cleveland Browns still hold hope for the Patriots, but their decision on drafting a quarterback like Sheduer Sanders will heavily influence New England’s pick. If the Browns acquire a starting quarterback before the draft—possibly Kirk Cousins—it may push the Patriots further away from their top prospects.
In the worst-case scenario, New England may find itself in a difficult position with a choice between offensive lineman Will Campbell, who carries some size concerns, or Michigan’s Mason Graham, an interior defensive lineman they don’t necessarily need. Trading down could be a viable option, but the drop-off from Carter and Hunter would limit the Patriots’ return.
With the Giants’ signing of Wilson, New England’s worst draft scenario is looking more likely. The Patriots might soon regret their Week 18 win as it inches them closer to missing out on the dream players they hoped to select.
