By Adeniyi Precious 
The Patriots were hoping the 2025 NFL Draft would go their way, but the New York Giants may have just thrown a wrench in those plans. With the Pats picking fourth overall, their dream scenario was for two quarterbacks to be taken before their pick, leaving them with either Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter—two of the best prospects available.
Miami QB Cam Ward is expected to be the first overall pick, which leaves the Browns and Giants as the wild cards. But now, the Giants are reportedly signing Russell Wilson to a one-year deal, making it far less likely they’ll draft a quarterback. And if they don’t take a QB, the Patriots could miss out on both Hunter and Carter.
There’s still some hope if Cleveland decides to go for Shedeur Sanders at No. 2, but that’s far from a guarantee. If both the Browns and Giants pass on quarterbacks, the Patriots could be stuck at No. 4 with no clear top-tier option.
So, what’s the backup plan? Will Campbell is a solid offensive lineman, but there are questions about his ability to play tackle in the NFL. Michigan’s Mason Graham is a fun prospect, but the Patriots just signed Milton Williams, so they don’t need another interior defensive lineman.
Trading down could be the best move, but even then, the Pats wouldn’t get as much value as they would have with Carter or Hunter. If the Giants had just lost one more game last season, things might look very different right now. Instead, Patriots fans might have to accept that their draft dreams just got crushed.