The New England Patriots are in an interesting spot in the NFL draft with the fourth overall pick. Cam Ward seems like the clear number-one pick as of now, which would leave top prospects Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter available at four.
However, the latest rumors coming from respected NFL reporters Adam Schefter and Albert Breer are suggesting neither may be available with, them going with the second and third picks after Ward.
The current feeling is that neither the #Browns nor #Giants will select a QB at No. 2 and No. 3, per @AdamSchefter.That means the #Patriots would most likely miss out on Abdul Carter/Travis Hunter.Based on recent comments, I personally think Will Campbell would be the pick. pic.twitter.com/jzEwnycUct
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) April 2, 2025
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This indicates neither team is completely sold on Shedeur Sanders, a scenario Patriots fans have been dreading ever since the team officially earned the fourth pick in the draft. If this scenario were to play out, the draft board would become much less clear, making a trade down make a lot of sense for the Patriots.
They could settle for guys like Will Campbell or Armand Membou at offensive line, or Tetairoa McMillan at wide receiver, but all three are potentially draftable later than fourth, and there are other first-round options at their respective positions.
Essentially, there is a clear tier drop in talent from Hunter and Carter, and potentially even Ward taking into account positional importance, which could mean the fourth spot in the draft is the worst one to have near the top.
That may make a trade down from four not that enticing for teams wanting to trade up, but it could also be a spot for a team desperate for a quarterback to trade up.
The Raiders at pick six seem like a potential destination for Sanders, along with the Jets at seven, and the Saints at nine. If any of those teams are serious about wanting Sanders, a trade up would make sense.
Even a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers all the way down at pick No. 21 needs a quarterback and might potentially give up a haul for the fourth pick in the draft.
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The only potentially interesting alternative for the Patriots would be to try and trade up, but that may not feel worth doing given what they would have to give up just to jump up one or two spots.
Other potential candidates to trade up are the Panthers, Bears, and 49ers, all teams with a healthy amount of draft picks who might want to be aggressive in addressing a specific need.
While Patriots fans will be upset to hear it, the front office may need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario for the NFL draft in April with Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter potentially both gone before the fourth pick.
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