One of the hottest debates heading into this year’s NFL Draft centers on the Browns’ No. 2 pick—Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter. With Cam Ward already locked in at No. 1, all eyes now turn to Cleveland’s next move. Although Hunter brings rare versatility, capable of locking down receivers or burning defenses as a weapon himself. He could mend two cracks with one pick. But on the flip side, pairing Abdul Carter with Myles Garrett? That’s a nightmare for opposing offenses. Imagine that pass-rush duo—pure chaos. So, Cleveland’s pick isn’t just about talent. It’s about setting the tone for a new era.
Here, Cleveland sports analyst Garrett Bush isn’t losing any sleep over the Browns’ big decision. For him, it’s simple—Heisman winner Hunter should be the No. 2 pick. But don’t get it twisted—Bush isn’t sleeping on Abdul Carter either. Projected as a top-5 pick in multiple mock drafts, Carter’s explosive talent and sideline-to-sideline speed make him a nightmare for offenses. Although the debate might rage on, Bush’s pick is crystal clear.
Now this is where the draft drama hits another gear. Buzz around Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter heading to the Patriots at No. 4 has sparked one wild scenario—one that could shake the NFL to its core. According to Carlos A. Lopez, if Carter is still on the board, the Eagles might make an aggressive play to trade up. And not just any deal—Philadelphia would send star wideout A.J. Brown, pick No. 32, and a 2026 second-rounder to New England. In return? Abdul Carter.
Insane? Absolutely. Even CBS Sports’ Dan Schneier couldn’t hold back. On April 19, he posted: “Imagine the Eagles walking out of this draft class with Abdul Carter even after Travis Hunter goes 2 overall and Ward at 1. I don’t want to live in that world ” This potential trade isn’t just bold—it’s nightmare fuel for the rest of the NFC.
Imagine the Eagles walking out of draft class with Abdul Carter even after Travis Hunter goes 2 overall and Ward at 1.
I don’t want to live in that world https://t.co/2OowYcNeZD
— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) April 19, 2025
So, the NFL Draft drama is heating up—and the Eagles might just steal the show. According to FitzyGFY, “I got a call earlier today saying that the Philadelphia Eagles really, really, really want Abdul Carter…” Moreover, he added, “And that they would consider or rather are planning to call your New England Patriots on draft day if Carter falls to 4, to see if Mike Vrabel would like a reunion with AJ Brown.” Here, Carter, just 21 and born in Philly, has made it crystal clear—he wants to play for his hometown squad.
Right now, Mike Vrabel and A.J. Brown’s bond runs deep, forged during their Titans days. And with Eagles GM Howie Roseman known for his draft-day fireworks, this one’s definitely a trade to keep tabs on. But to turn up the heat, Abdul Carter himself added fuel to the fire. After a meeting at the NFL Combine, the PSU DE couldn’t hide his admiration for Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. And Carter’s words? They speak volumes. So, the connection is real, and it could very well play a pivotal role in where he lands on draft day.
Abdul Carter’s side of the story for the Patriots
The Patriots might be eyeing extra picks, whether this year or in the future, to make the perfect trade. That could set up an ideal scenario for them. Meanwhile, Abdul Carter is already making waves in this year’s draft, speaking up for the defensive side of the game. “Defensive players can take over a game, we’re just like a quarterback,” he said recently, proving his value is undeniable.
And now, the ex-PSU DE had high praise for Patriots HC Vrabel, calling him “a very serious, very upfront guy.” He continued, “He’s all about his business, which is what I like. He was really straightforward with me. I feel like I like him.” So, the admiration is clear, setting the stage for a potential future together.
But here’s the kicker: Vrabel was equally impressed. “I don’t think he took too many of them, but the tape is dynamic,” he said. Adding, “There’s a lot of great qualities of a disruptive pass rusher—very slippery, loose, sudden. It was a fun tape to watch.” Right now, if Carter lands in New England, he’ll step into a franchise hungry for a new defensive cornerstone. And with a coach like Vrabel, who knows how to harness a disruptive force off the edge, Carter could be a game-changer.
Now, let’s see where fate takes him in the NFL draft.
The post Abdul Carter to Patriots Buzz Sparks Analyst’s Nightmare Vision of Eagles 2025 Draft Haul appeared first on EssentiallySports.
